Wild bird crime – an RSPB introduction to wild bird protection

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Crimes against birds of prey – also known as raptor persecution – usually involve shooting, trapping and poisoning.

Crimes against birds of prey – also known as raptor persecution – usually involve shooting, trapping and poisoning.

What is bird crime?

Raptor persecution is the shooting, trapping and poisoning of birds of prey. All wild birds are protected by law, yet buzzards, red kites, peregrines and other iconic species continue to be killed, often in connection with land managed for gamebird shooting. For rare hen harriers, this is having a devastating effect on their entire UK population. In a nature and climate crisis, this cannot go on.

Read the RSPB’s latest report

The RSPB’s 2020 Birdcrime report was released in October 2021 and reveals a shocking insight into these crimes, including where they occurred, why it is happening, and what needs to change in order to secure a better future for birds of prey. There were 137 confirmed incidents in 2020: the highest total since recording began in 1990. R ead the report

Previous previous reports

Produced by the RSPB’s Investigations Unit, Birdcrime is the only comprehensive guide to known offences against birds of prey in the UK. You can read previous years’ reports here.

Types of birdcrime include:

Shooting and destruction
Poisoning wild birds
Nest robbery
Egg collecting

Worst affected species include:

Golden Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Hen Harrier
Finches

Report a crime

You play a vital role in helping end raptor persecution and bring those responsible to justice. Many investigations begin thanks to a phonecall or email from a diligent member of the public, like you, reporting a potential crime

Did you know?

Around a third of RSPB income is from people like you who choose to leave a gift in their Will. By pledging a gift in your Will, you will help to secure a future for nature, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. We can’t imagine a world without skylarks, puffins, red squirrels and hedgehogs, which is why we work hard to protect our wonderful wildlife and the places it lives.

Download your Gifts in Wills guide

A gift in your Will is one of the most powerful ways you can help create a future filled with nature. Download our Gifts in Wills guide to find out how nature could benefit from your legacy.

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This content is sponsored by RSPB

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Tags: RSPB Last modified: December 2, 2021

Written by RSPB• December 2, 2021

About the Author / RSPB

The RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coasts and countryside will teem with life once again. We play a leading role in Birdlife International, a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations. Gifts in Wills make up around a third of the RSPB's income, enabling us to plan our work into the future and enter into commitments that we can be confident we will be able to fulfil. The Legacy team at the RSPB are always looking for innovative ways to keep supporters informed of the inspiring and ambitious projects the RSPB continually deliver, which wouldn’t be possible without the income from people who have generously decided to share their love of nature through a gift in their Will.