The RSPB’s Birdcrime 2015 report lists 196 reports of illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK.

The figures are thought to represent a fraction of the actual number of offences, with many going unreported and undetected.

Tony Whitehead, RSPB spokesman in the West Country, said: ‘These are magnificent creatures and conservation groups, the shooting community and the general public need to be vigilant, in order to stop a small minority from continuing to commit these kinds of wildlife crimes.’

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: ‘All wild birds in England and Wales are protected and anyone shooting birds without a licence could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000 if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.’

In all, there were 16 incidents of wild bird crime reported in the West Country in 2015, two in Cornwall.

The RSPB believes tougher legislation and enforcement is needed.