1. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus):
- Kestrels are birds of prey that can hover in mid-air to scan for prey below them.
- They use their excellent vision to detect small mammals and insects from above.
2. Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo):
- Hobbies are agile falcons that can hover while hunting for large flying insects like dragonflies and butterflies.
3. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus):
- Sparrowhawks are skilled predators known for their rapid, acrobatic flight. They can briefly hover to surprise and capture unsuspecting prey.
4. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis):
- Goshawks are larger raptors that can hover momentarily during their hunts.
5. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis):
- Kingfishers are eye-catching birds with vibrant blue and orange feathers. They excel at hovering over water bodies to spot fish before diving to catch them.
6. European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis):
- Green Woodpeckers have the unique ability to hover in front of tree trunks while foraging for insects and larvae.
7. Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea):
- Redpolls are small finches that can hover briefly while feeding on seeds.
8. Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris):
- Marsh Tits are acrobatic passerines that can hover during their intricate foraging techniques.
9. Nuthatch (Sitta europaea):
- Nuthatches are known for their ability to climb vertically. They can also hover temporarily to reach insects or seeds on tree trunks.
10. European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster): (Summer Visitor)
- Bee-eaters are migratory birds that occasionally visit the UK. They can hover while hunting for insects, particularly bees and wasps.
It's important to note that not all birds in the UK possess hovering abilities. However, the ones mentioned above have evolved remarkable hovering skills to adapt to their hunting and foraging strategies.