unidentified bird of prey

[kaysee]

help. I need help identifying a bird of prey seen today in Barming Kent. I haven't got a photo, sorry. It was perched on a tv aeriel and i first thought it was a buzzard as did my friend. However, I watched the bird being mobbed by a pair of magpies who made it take to the wing. I could only see the back of it as it flew away and it was then that i noticed it had an almost full white tail. I also noticed what I thought to bea tassel hanging from a talon. Is it an escaped hand reared bird. Has anyone got any thoughts. To recap, the size and colouring of a buzzard but with a broad white band on its tail

[Gerel]

If it was an escaped/lost falconers bird then Harris hawk could be a possibility. They have a white band at the base of the tail.

[Jason Green]

Evening Kay, and welcome to WAB!

Yes, it sounds like an escapee of some sort from the jessies. It will have been mobbed due to the perceived threat from the Crows, they'll be breeding soon and won't want other predators in their territory!

Take care,

Jason

[aeshna5]

I suspect it's probably an escaped Harris Hawk. This is the species most commonly used for pigeon scaring, etc.

Crows will mob raptors any time of the year, not just when breeding.

[kaysee]

Thanks everyone. I have checked out some pictures of the harris hawk and you are right, thanks for the help