Dare to explore Arkansas, where the skies are brought to life by the mesmerizing dance of Birds of Prey. From the echoing calls of eagles soaring above the Ouachita Mountains, to the swift swoops of falcons over the fertile Delta region, these majestic raptors truly embody the Natural State’s wild spirit. With a diverse array of avian predators calling it home, Arkansas serves as a grand stage for these aerial acrobats. Let’s unveil the mysteries of these fascinating creatures and immerse ourselves in their world.
List of Birds of Prey in Arkansas
-
Red-tailed Hawk: Known for their broad, rounded wings and short, wide tails, Red-tailed Hawks are a common sight in Arkansas, often seen perched high on utility poles along the highways.
-
Turkey Vulture: These scavengers with their distinctive red heads are a common sight, particularly in Arkansas’s warmer regions. They’re often spotted circling in groups, riding thermals over fields and forests.
-
American Kestrel: The colorful American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, is often spotted in open habitats across Arkansas, including fields, meadows, and deserts.
-
Bald Eagle: Arkansas is home to several wintering grounds for these majestic raptors. The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge offer opportunities to spot them in the wild.
-
Barred Owl: Known for their “who cooks for you” call, Barred Owls reside in the dense forests and swamps of Arkansas, particularly in the state’s Ozark and Ouachita regions.
-
Cooper’s Hawk: These agile forest hunters are found in Arkansas’s woodlands and suburban areas where bird feeders are abundant.
-
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Similar to Cooper’s Hawks, these agile raptors inhabit the wooded areas of Arkansas, adept at pursuing smaller birds through dense foliage.
-
Mississippi Kite: These elegant birds of prey are found in the open landscapes of Arkansas, commonly seen soaring in search of large insects.
-
Red-shouldered Hawk: Often found in the wooded river valleys of Arkansas, these hawks are known for their distinctively patterned plumage and piercing calls.
-
Great Horned Owl: These adaptable owls are found statewide, their deep hooting calls echoing across a variety of habitats from forests to city parks.
-
Broad-winged Hawk: This small hawk is a familiar sight in Arkansas’s forests, especially during its spring and fall migrations.
-
Eastern Screech-Owl: This tiny, nocturnal raptor makes its home in the woods and suburbs of Arkansas, its haunting trills filling the night air.
-
Black Vulture: These sociable scavengers can be spotted soaring over the open areas of Arkansas, recognizable by their short tails and silver wingtips.
-
Northern Harrier: With their distinctive owl-like face, these birds can be seen flying low over open fields and marshes in the state, hunting for small mammals.
-
Short-eared Owl: In the open country of Arkansas, especially grasslands and marshes, you might spot these medium-sized owls flying gracefully at dusk.
-
Peregrine Falcon: Although less common, these powerful falcons can be spotted near water bodies in Arkansas, where they dive spectacularly to catch their prey.
-
Rough-legged Hawk: These winter visitors to Arkansas are easily recognized by feathered legs. Look for them in open areas, hunting for small mammals.
-
American Barn Owl: With their distinctive heart-shaped faces, these nocturnal birds often roost in barns and abandoned buildings throughout rural Arkansas.
-
Swainson’s Hawk: This long-distance migrant can be seen in open habitats of Arkansas during migration, often in large flocks.
-
Merlin: This small, swift-flying falcon can be spotted in Arkansas during migration, where it hunts small birds in open habitats.
-
Golden Eagle: These majestic birds are rare winter visitors to Arkansas. Look for them in open country, especially around the state’s mountainous regions.
This is just the beginning of your avian adventure in Arkansas. Each bird of prey holds a unique allure, ready to captivate the hearts of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Birds of prey also visiting Arkansas but rarely include the ferruginous hawk and northern goshawks.
Where to Spot Arkansas’s Birds of Prey
1. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge: Located near the Arkansas River, this refuge is a wintering ground for numerous raptors, including the majestic Bald Eagle. Its diverse habitats attract a wide variety of birds of prey, making it an ideal spot for bird watching.
2. Mount Magazine State Park: The state’s highest point, this park’s expansive vistas provide excellent opportunities to spot soaring raptors like Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and even the rare Golden Eagle.
3. Lake Dardanelle State Park: Situated along the Arkansas River, this park offers diverse habitats that attract various birds of prey. From spring through fall, the park becomes a haven for migrating raptors like the Broad-winged Hawk.
4. Buffalo National River: With its extensive river system and undisturbed forests, this location is home to numerous raptor species, including Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks.
5. Hot Springs National Park: This park, known for its thermal waters, also attracts a diversity of bird species, including birds of prey like the American Kestrel and Cooper’s Hawk, which can be spotted year-round.
Each of these spots offers bird watchers a unique chance to encounter Arkansas’s diverse array of birds of prey in their natural habitats. In Arkansas, the diversity of birds of prey is as unique as the state itself. Take a flight of curiosity to Texas, where the Sky Predators mirror the vastness and audacity of the Lone Star State. Up north in Missouri, be amazed by the adaptability of Missouri’s Feathered Hunters, reflecting the state’s balance between rural charm and urban sophistication. To dive deeper into the realm of these birds, check out our Birds of Prey Guide.