Upland birds

Scotland's extensive areas of uplands and moorlands support a range of common and widely distributed species, such as meadow pipit, skylark, whinchat, Northern wheatear, stonechat and twite. Parts of Scotland's uplands are also of international importance for their concentrations of breeding waders including golden plover and greenshank, while our highest mountains are home to rare breeding species including dotterel and snow bunting.

Golden eagle

Symbolic for many people of Scotland's wild uplands, the golden eagle is a powerful and agile hunter. Golden eagles take a variety of live prey, including deer, rabbits, hares and red grouse. Nests, also called eyries, are normally located on remote and inaccessible rocky outcrops well away from human disturbance, but are sometimes also found in trees, gullies or even on gently sloping ground. A few pairs breed successfully within sight of houses or roads.

Perceived conflicts between golden eagles and man's use of the uplands led to the bird being heavily persecuted for many decades, and this illegal activity still occurs in some parts of Scotland. Golden eagles have been studied in Scotland for many years, and we now have a good understanding of their status, and the factors currently preventing a full recovery in the population. SNH supports the ongoing monitoring of eagles and other birds of prey through grant aid to Scottish Raptor Study Groups  .

Red grouse

Grouse moors cover large area of the Scottish uplands. These areas are managed intensively by regularly burning the heather into strips and patches, providing a mosaic of young plants and shoots for food, and taller more mature plants to provide shelter. This leads to the 'patchwork' effect seen on many hillsides in south and east Scotland. Grouse shooting makes a significant contribution to the rural economy.