Migrant Hawker

Key Sites: Barnwell Country Park, any of the Nene Valley Gravel Pits; Well distributed in the county, favouring larger water bodies such as the Nene Valley Gravel Pits, Pitsford Reservoir and Sywell Country Park. Appears to avoid river systems, although it has been recorded breeding on the River Ise and some stretches of the River Nene.

Spotting: This small Hawker is the most abundant (as opposed to the most wide-spread) Hawker in the County. Migrant Hawkers hunt low to the water, where they often clash and compete with Common Darters. The male is characterised by bright blue markings on the abdomen and yellow stripes on the thorax. Females are brown and black and much harder reliably to identify, mainly as they spend most time away from water.

In sunny weather before the main oviposting season, swarms of immature males can often be seen hawking around open woodlands catching flying insects--a good time to see them is the ant flying season. Swarms as large as 30 males have been reported in the county.

County Status: Not threatened, as habitat requirements are wide.