Birds of Prey in California (37 Most Common)

Welcome to the Golden State of California, a place where the diverse landscapes provide an equally diverse array of Birds of Prey. From the haunting hoot of owls echoing through ancient Redwood forests, to the piercing cry of hawks soaring over arid desert dunes, each bird of prey adds its unique note to the state’s wild symphony. With majestic eagles, agile falcons, and the rare and awe-inspiring California Condor, California is a true haven for these captivating creatures.

List of Birds of Prey in California:

Red-tailed Hawk: As one of the most common raptors in North America, these hawks can be spotted across the state, soaring high over open fields and perching on high vantage points.
Turkey Vulture: These large, dark birds are often seen soaring in warm, rising air currents, searching for their next meal. They are widespread and can be seen throughout California.
American Kestrel: Known as the smallest falcon in North America, these colorful birds can be found in a wide variety of habitats across California.
Cooper’s Hawk: These agile raptors are found throughout California. They are often seen in woodlands, navigating deftly through trees as they hunt for smaller birds.
Western Screech-Owl: Native to western North America, these small owls can be found in wooded habitats across California, often heard after dusk with their distinctive calls.
Great Horned Owl: Widespread across North America, these adaptable owls are found throughout California, and are known for their distinctively deep hooting calls.
Bald Eagle: With numbers on the rise, these majestic raptors can be spotted near lakes and rivers, particularly in the northern parts of the state and the Channel Islands.
Northern Harrier: Known for their distinctive flight pattern, these raptors can be seen flying low over open fields and marshes across California.
Barn Owl: These nocturnal birds, known for their heart-shaped faces, are widespread across the state, often seen at dusk hunting for rodents.
Peregrine Falcon: While less common, these powerful falcons can be spotted along the coast and in large cities, where they nest on tall buildings.
Swainson’s Hawk: These long-distance migrants can be seen in agricultural areas and grasslands across California during spring and fall migrations.
Burrowing Owl: Unique for their ground-dwelling habits, these small owls inhabit grasslands and deserts in parts of California, often seen standing near their burrows during the day.
Golden Eagle: These large and majestic birds inhabit the mountainous regions and open areas of California, especially in the southern and central parts of the state.
Merlin: These small, powerful falcons are most commonly seen in California during migration and in winter, often found hunting along the coastline.
Northern Saw-whet Owl: These small owls prefer the coniferous forests of northern California and can be hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits.
Short-eared Owl: Mostly found in the grasslands and marshes of California, these owls are often active at dawn and dusk.
White-tailed Kite: Found in open grasslands and marshes across California, these small raptors are easily identified by their white underparts and black wingtips.
Ferruginous Hawk: This large hawk prefers the open spaces of California’s central valley and desert areas, often seen soaring high above the ground.
Zone-tailed Hawk: A rare sight in California, this hawk can be spotted in the southern regions of the state, often mistaken for a Turkey Vulture due to its similar flight pattern.
Red-shouldered Hawk: These colorful hawks are found throughout California, preferring wooded habitats near water.
California Condor: After a successful reintroduction effort, these critically endangered birds can be seen soaring over California’s mountain ranges, particularly in the Los Padres National Forest.
Long-eared Owl: These secretive owls inhabit the woodlands of California, often found roosting in dense foliage.
Spotted Owl: These endangered owls prefer the old-growth forests of northern California, where they hunt at night.
Rough-legged Hawk: A winter visitor to California, this hawk can be seen soaring over open country in search of small mammals.
Northern Goshawk: Preferring dense forests, this large and powerful hawk can be spotted in the mountainous regions of California.
Great Gray Owl: A rare resident of California, this large owl can be found in the dense forests of the state’s mountain regions.
Snowy Owl: These beautiful white owls are rare visitors to California, occasionally seen during irruptions, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Common Black Hawk: A rare sight, this black hawk prefers riparian areas in the southernmost regions of California.
Crested Caracara: This striking raptor is an occasional visitor to California, often seen in open habitats.
Mississippi Kite: These elegant raptors are rarely seen in California, but can occasionally be found in the southeastern regions during migration.
Swallow-tailed Kite: Known for their deeply forked tail, these kites are very rare visitors to California.
Gray Hawk: These small raptors are rare visitors to the far southern edge of California, especially during spring migration.
Northern Pygmy-Owl: Found in coniferous forests and mixed woodland areas, these small owls can be seen in the mountainous regions of California.
Flammulated Owl: This small, elusive owl can be found in the coniferous forests of California, often heard during summer nights.
Elf Owl: The world’s smallest owl species, the Elf Owl is a rare visitor to the southern regions of California.
Osprey: Commonly found near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, these fish-eating raptors can be seen throughout California, particularly during the breeding season.
Prairie Falcon: These large falcons prefer the open habitats of California’s central valley and desert areas, often seen soaring high above the ground.

Rarely spotted in California are the following birds of prey: Snowy Owl, Flammulated Owl, Great Gray Owl, Gyrfalcon, Eurasian Kestrel and Swallow-tailed Kite. These species are not commonly found in California and sightings of them are relatively uncommon.

This diverse array of birds of prey makes California a fantastic destination for raptor enthusiasts, from the arid desert landscapes to the towering Redwood forests. Each species contributes its own distinct call to the state’s wild chorus.

Swallow-tailed Kite

Where to Spot California’s Birds of Prey

Point Reyes National Seashore: Located in Marin County, this coastal area offers a variety of habitats attracting numerous raptors like Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and White-tailed Kites. The Chimney Rock area is particularly renowned for its wintering population of Rough-legged Hawks.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Situated in San Diego County, this expansive desert park is home to a diverse range of Birds of Prey. Look out for Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcons, and American Kestrels soaring above the desert landscape.

Big Sur: Along the stunning Central Coast of California, Big Sur provides excellent opportunities to spot various Birds of Prey. Keep an eye out for California Condors, Peregrine Falcons, and Ospreys as they inhabit the cliffs and canyons of this rugged coastal region.

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Preserve: Located in the southern part of Santa Clara County, this preserve offers a mix of grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats. It is a great spot to observe Swainson’s Hawks, White-tailed Kites, and Cooper’s Hawks throughout the year.

Joshua Tree National Park: In this unique desert ecosystem of southeastern California, you can find Birds of Prey such as Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Great Horned Owls. The park’s diverse terrain, including Joshua tree forests and rocky outcrops, attracts a variety of raptor species.

California, home to an impressive array of avian predators, offers a bounty for birdwatchers. Venture into the rugged beauty of Oregon to experience the intrigue of Oregon’s Birds of Prey. Journey eastward to Nevada, where the Nevada’s Desert Raptors perfectly reflect the state’s untamed spirit. Delve into the full spectrum of these captivating creatures with our comprehensive Birds of Prey Guide.