A rare bird of prey that is not native to the UK has been spotted perched on a building at Southampton General Hospital. 

Questions have been raised after an impressive bird of prey that is not native to the UK, a Harris hawk, has been spotted at the hospital. 

A spokesperson for the Hampshire Wildlife Trust said: "We think it may be a Harris hawk, possibly an escapee from a falconry maybe?"

READ MORE: UK's biggest bird of prey spotted near Lepe in Hampshire

Harris's hawks are known for being escape artists and frequently getting out of captivity and come from the southwestern United States, Chile, central Argentina, and Brazil.

Ringwood's Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, known for their captivating bird of prey displays, also chimed in and told the Echo Harris hawks are often used for pest control at the hospital. 

The lifespan of a wild Harris's hawk is 10–12 years with those in captivity even living as long as 25 years.