Brown Hawker
Aeshna grandis
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Britain's only entirely brown large dragonfly. The Brown Hawker is unmistakeable in flight — all other large hawkers have blue or green markings on a dark body, but the Brown Hawker is warm amber-brown throughout. In flight it looks orange-brown in sunlight, the wings themselves with an amber tint. It hawks over large areas including along hedgerows well away from water. A large, powerful dragonfly that patrols continuously.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Drainage channel · Slow river |
| Diet | Large flying insects |
| UK population | Common in England and Wales |
| Sefton Coast | Regular at larger dune slack ponds and drainage channels near the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds and canals/drains near the Sefton Coast. Easily identified by uniform brown colour.
Identification
Large hawker. Entirely warm brown-amber body. Wings with golden-brown tint — visible in flight. Blue eyes. Blue spots on sides of abdomen. No other large dragonfly is entirely brown.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Any large, brown dragonfly is a Brown Hawker — no confusion is possible once you know the species. Afternoon patrols along dune edges and water margins.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Brown Hawker amber-coloured?
The amber-brown colouration of the Brown Hawker is unusual among large dragonflies, most of which are blue-and-black or green-and-black. The function of the colouration is not fully understood but may provide better camouflage against autumn vegetation (when the species is most abundant). The amber-tinted wings are a particularly beautiful feature visible in sunlight.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.