Migrant Hawker
Aeshna mixta
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Migrant Hawker was mentioned in the 1997 Sefton Coast insect article as a species to watch for — a potential colonist heading northward. It has since colonised across northwest England and is now confirmed at Sefton Coast sites. Smaller than the Emperor, the Migrant Hawker is a late-season species — most abundant in September and October when other hawkers have declined. The distinctive yellow triangle on abdominal segment 2 is the key feature.
At a Glance
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond · Open water · Coastal scrub edge |
| Diet | Flying insects |
| UK population | Common in England; expanding northward rapidly |
| Sefton Coast | Established at Ainsdale dune slacks; mentioned in the 1990s as a potential colonist — now confirmed |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds and any open water on the Sefton Coast in late summer.
Identification
Medium hawker. Blue and black (male) or yellow-brown and black (female). Distinctive bright yellow triangle on top of segment 2. Smaller and slimmer than Emperor and Brown Hawker. Flies in September when most large dragonflies have gone.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check dune slack ponds in September and October. The yellow triangle on S2 distinguishes Migrant Hawker from other hawkers.
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
Does the Migrant Hawker actually migrate to Britain?
Yes. The name comes from the fact that it was long considered a migrant to Britain from the continent. While UK breeding populations are now well-established, continental migrants do arrive each autumn, boosting UK numbers. Migrant Hawkers genuinely cross the sea — they have been recorded landing on ships in the North Sea. Their late season peak (September–October) partially reflects this migratory input.
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.