From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the vast marshlands of the Everglades, America is home to a stunning variety of Birds of Prey. These majestic aviators, numbering 42 distinct species, rule the country’s skies with grace and might.
In this insightful guide, we explore the rich diversity and remarkable characteristics of the Birds of Prey in America. Strap in as we journey into the world of these magnificent creatures, learning about their unique behaviors, habitats, and contributions to our complex ecosystem. The skies have never been more fascinating!
List of Birds of Prey in America
Eagles:
- Bald Eagle - The Bald Eagle, the national bird and symbol of America, is most abundant in Alaska. These majestic birds are also prevalent in Florida and the Pacific Northwest, notably in San Juan Islands.
- Golden Eagle - The Golden Eagle prefers the open, rugged landscapes of the American West. They're notably abundant in Denali National Park in Alaska and Yellowstone National Park.
Hawks:
- Red-Tailed Hawk - This is one of the most common hawks in America, seen soaring above open fields throughout the country.
- Sharp-Shinned Hawk - The Sharp-Shinned Hawk prefers forested areas and can be found throughout America, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Cooper's Hawk - Cooper's Hawks are often seen in woodlands and cities throughout America.
- Northern Goshawk - Northern Goshawks are abundant in the forested areas of the Northern States and Alaska.
- Broad-Winged Hawk - These hawks are most common in the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains.
- Swainson's Hawk - These birds are found primarily in the western part of America, including the Great Plains and agricultural areas.
- Rough-Legged Hawk - These hawks migrate to America in winter, mainly to the northern United States and southern Canada.
- Ferruginous Hawk - These birds can be found in the arid, open areas of the western states.
- Northern Harrier - Found in marshes and grasslands throughout the United States, including the Everglades National Park in Florida.
Falcons:
- Peregrine Falcon - Found in many regions of America, they are abundant near coasts and major cities, nesting on tall buildings and bridges.
- American Kestrel - American Kestrels are widespread across the United States, often seen perched along highways or hovering over fields.
- Merlin - Merlins are common in the northern part of America, especially near coastal areas.
- Prairie Falcon - These birds are native to the western part of America, particularly in prairie and desert habitats.
- Gyrfalcon - The Gyrfalcon is primarily found in the Arctic regions of North America.
Owls:
- Great Horned Owl - This species is found throughout the United States, from urban areas to remote wilderness.
- Snowy Owl - Snowy Owls are native to the Arctic regions but may venture as far south as the northern United States in winter.
- Northern Saw-Whet Owl - This species is found in forested habitats across North America, particularly in mountainous areas.
- Eastern Screech Owl - These owls are prevalent in the eastern part of the country and are common in urban and suburban areas.
- Western Screech Owl - The Western Screech Owl is found in the western part of America, including wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods.
- Burrowing Owl - Burrowing Owls are common in the western United States, particularly in open grasslands and desert habitats.
- Barred Owl - These owls are found in dense woods across the eastern United States and Pacific Northwest.
- Northern Spotted Owl - This species is found in old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, especially in Olympic National Park, Washington.
- Long-Eared Owl - Long-Eared Owls are most common in the northeastern part of the country and the Great Plains.
- Short-Eared Owl - This species can be found in open habitats throughout the United States, often in marshes and grasslands.
- Barn Owl - Barn Owls are widespread across the United States, often seen in rural areas, farmlands, and open country.
- Boreal Owl - The Boreal Owl is found in the boreal forests of northern United States and Alaska.
- Great Grey Owl - Great Grey Owls are found primarily in the northern states and high-altitude forests of the western states.
Vultures:
- Turkey Vulture - The Turkey Vulture is a common sight throughout the United States, particularly in open, rural areas.
- Black Vulture - The Black Vulture is most common in the southeastern United States, often seen in large roosts.
- California Condor - California Condors are most abundant in California, Arizona, and Utah, particularly around the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
Osprey:
- Osprey - The Osprey is found near bodies of water throughout the United States, particularly common along coastlines, rivers, and large lakes.
Kites:
- Mississippi Kite - The Mississippi Kite is most commonly found in the central and southern United States.
- Swallow-Tailed Kite - The Swallow-Tailed Kite is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.
- White-Tailed Kite - This species is most abundant in the western United States, particularly in California.
Harriers:
- Marsh Harrier - The Marsh Harrier is primarily found near wetlands throughout America.
Caracaras:
- Northern Crested Caracara - Northern Crested Caracaras are most commonly found in the southern United States, particularly in Texas and Florida.
Accipiters:
- Sharp-shinned Hawk - As mentioned earlier, the Sharp-Shinned Hawk prefers forested areas and can be found throughout America.
- Cooper’s Hawk - As stated before, Cooper's Hawks are often seen in woodlands and cities throughout America.
- Northern Goshawk - As previously noted, Northern Goshawks are abundant in the forested areas of the Northern States and Alaska.
Buteos:
- Broad-winged Hawk - As mentioned earlier, these hawks are most common in the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains.
Eagles
Eagles are probably the most popular raptors in the world. They are very large and very powerful. They normally build their nests on very high places. It is very rare to find an eagles’ nest below 75 feet. Rather than use twigs and leaves to build their nests like other birds, eagles use sticks instead. The whole process of building an eagle’s nest usually takes at least 6 months.
Falcons
Falcons are not as large as eagles. However, they are some of the fastest birds in the air. Some species of falcon can fly at up to speeds of 200 miles per hour. Falcons’ wings are tapered and, unlike other birds, they do not build their own nests.
The birding practice of falconry is a very popular one today. This is the practice of using trained falcons to hunt and whilst attacks are very rare, falcons will attack humans if they feel threatened.
Hawks
Hawks and falcons have more or less the same size. They hunt for prey in two main ways – by flying and by walking. Similar to their larger relatives, the eagles, hawks’ nests are built of sticks. However, compared to eagles, hawks lay more eggs. A single female hawk can lay up to 6 eggs and, sometimes, even more.
Kites
Compared to the other birds in this list, kites are not as powerful and aggressive. Their main foods are snails, insects and small animals. Kites are also scavengers. They feed on dead animals and garbage.
Osprey
Ospreys are of only one species. Their main habitats are near water bodies. These hunting bodies are their main sources of food. It is common to see ospreys hovering above a water body and upon seeing prey (normally fish), they dive at a very fast speed and catch the prey.
Owls
There are many different types of owls found in the United States, including the great horned owl, the snowy owl, and the barn owl.
Vultures
Vultures are the last birds of prey to be discussed in this article. They are scavengers and so their main diet is dead animals’ bodies. They do not have any hairs on their heads. This helps them to remain clean even when they poke their bodies into the bloody flesh of dead animals while eating.
Where to Find Birds of Prey in the US
1. Everglades National Park, Florida: With its rich and diverse ecosystem, the Everglades National Park is a haven for a variety of Birds of Prey. The vast wetlands and prairies provide an ideal habitat for species like the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Northern Harrier, and the rare Swallow-Tailed Kite. Bird-watchers can embark on guided tours or explore the park’s trails to spot these majestic creatures.
2. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania: This is one of the premier places to watch hawks in America. Located on the Appalachian flyway, the sanctuary witnesses the annual migration of a plethora of hawk species, such as the Broad-winged Hawk, Red-Tailed Hawk, and the Sharp-Shinned Hawk. With over 18,000 acres of protected land, the sanctuary offers an unrivaled bird-watching experience with breathtaking vistas.
3. San Juan Islands, Washington: The San Juan Islands are a notable habitat for the Bald Eagle, with one of the highest densities of this majestic bird in the continental United States. Bird watchers can also spot the Peregrine Falcon and several species of hawks and owls in this stunning Pacific Northwest archipelago.
4. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico: This refuge is renowned for its large populations of birds, including several Birds of Prey. It is a hotspot for raptors such as the Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, and the Ferruginous Hawk. Each winter, the refuge hosts the “Festival of the Cranes,” attracting bird enthusiasts from across the globe.
5. Denali National Park, Alaska: Denali National Park is home to an array of Birds of Prey, including the Golden Eagle and the Great Horned Owl. This rugged wilderness provides an exceptional bird-watching experience, with birds easily spotted against the vast, open landscapes. Its diverse habitats make it a preferred nesting ground for a variety of raptors.
Each of these locations offers unique opportunities to observe America’s Birds of Prey in their natural habitats, providing unforgettable experiences for any bird-watcher.
Northeast:
| State | Birds of Prey |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Birds of Prey in Connecticut |
| Delaware | Birds of Prey in Delaware |
| Maine | Birds of Prey in Maine |
| Maryland | Birds of Prey in Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Birds of Prey in Massachusetts |
| New Hampshire | Birds of Prey in New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | Birds of Prey in New Jersey |
| New York | Birds of Prey in New York |
| Pennsylvania | Birds of Prey in Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | Birds of Prey in Rhode Island |
| Vermont | Birds of Prey in Vermont |
Midwest:
| State | Birds of Prey |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Birds of Prey in Illinois |
| Indiana | Birds of Prey in Indiana |
| Iowa | Birds of Prey in Iowa |
| Kansas | Birds of Prey in Kansas |
| Michigan | Birds of Prey in Michigan |
| Minnesota | Birds of Prey in Minnesota |
| Missouri | Birds of Prey in Missouri |
| Nebraska | Birds of Prey in Nebraska |
| North Dakota | Birds of Prey in North Dakota |
| South Dakota | Birds of Prey in South Dakota |
| Ohio | Birds of Prey in Ohio |
| Wisconsin | Birds of Prey in Wisconsin |
South:
| Alabama | Birds of Prey in Alabama |
| Arkansas | Birds of Prey in Arkansas |
| Florida | Birds of Prey in Florida |
| Georgia | Birds of Prey in Georgia |
| Kentucky | Birds of Prey in Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Birds of Prey in Louisiana |
| Mississippi | Birds of Prey in Mississippi |
| North Carolina | Birds of Prey in North Carolina |
| Oklahoma | Birds of Prey in Oklahoma |
| South Carolina | Birds of Prey in South Carolina |
| Tennessee | Birds of Prey in Tennessee |
| Texas | Birds of Prey in Texas |
| Virginia | Birds of Prey in Virginia |
| West Virginia | Birds of Prey in West Virginia |
West:
| Alaska | Birds of Prey in Alaska |
| Arizona | Birds of Prey in Arizona |
| California | Birds of Prey in California |
| Colorado | Birds of Prey in Colorado |
| Hawaii | Birds of Prey in Hawaii |
| Idaho | Birds of Prey in Idaho |
| Montana | Birds of Prey in Montana |
| Nevada | Birds of Prey in Nevada |
| New Mexico | Birds of Prey in New Mexico |
| Oregon | Birds of Prey in Oregon |
| Utah | Birds of Prey in Utah |
| Washington | Birds of Prey in Washington |
| Wyoming | Birds of Prey in Wyoming |
FAQs About Birds of Prey in America
What is the most common bird of prey in North America?
The most common bird of prey in North America is the red-tailed hawk. These birds can be found all across the continent, and are known for their characteristic red tail feathers.
Red-tailed hawks typically eat small mammals such as rodents or birds. However, they will also eat reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
What are some predatory birds?
Predatory birds are birds that hunt and eat other animals. Some of the most common predatory birds in North America include hawks, eagles, and owls.
These birds are known for their keen eyesight and hunting skills. They typically eat small mammals such as rodents or rabbits. However, they will also eat reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
New World vultures are also considered predatory birds, although they do not hunt live animals. Instead, they feed on the carcasses of dead animals. Vultures help to keep the environment clean by eating carcasses that would otherwise decay and release harmful bacteria into the air.
Do all birds of prey eat meat?
Yes, all birds of prey are carnivores and eat meat. Hawks, eagles, and owls typically eat small mammals such as rodents or birds. However, they will also eat reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
What is the best time of year to see Birds of Prey in America?
Birds of Prey can be observed throughout the year, but the best period is during migration seasons—spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these times, diverse species are on the move, offering prime viewing opportunities.
What kind of equipment do I need for bird watching?
A good pair of binoculars is crucial for bird watching, providing the necessary zoom to observe Birds of Prey up close. Field guides and apps can also help identify species. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are essential for long hours in the field.
Are Birds of Prey endangered in America?
Some Birds of Prey species are indeed endangered in the U.S., including the California Condor and the Northern Spotted Owl. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and bolster these populations. Always observe birds respectfully to avoid disturbance.
What should I do if I find an injured Bird of Prey?
If you encounter an injured Bird of Prey, do not attempt to handle it yourself. These are wild creatures that can be dangerous when threatened. Instead, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control for assistance.