Birds of prey, or raptors, hold a fascinating place within the stunning ecological panorama of Idaho. Despite the vast array of landscapes in Idaho, from the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the wide expanses of the Snake River Plain, each harbors a unique assembly of these winged hunters. Their robust presence throughout the state underlines not only Idaho’s rich biodiversity but also its ecological health.
List of Birds of Prey in Idaho
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Great Horned Owl - The most common owl in the state, they inhabit forests, canyons, and even suburban areas.
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Western Screech-Owl - These owls are found throughout Idaho, often in riparian areas and forests.
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American Barn Owl - A common sight in farmland and open areas, they can be found across Idaho.
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Barred Owl - These large owls can be spotted in northern Idaho’s dense forests.
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Burrowing Owl - Found in open, dry grasslands, these small owls are becoming increasingly rare.
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Short-eared Owl - These owls inhabit open fields and marshlands and can be found throughout the state, especially during winter.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl - These small, elusive owls inhabit forests across the state.
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Snowy Owl - A rare winter visitor, Snowy Owls are occasionally spotted in open fields in Idaho.
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Great Gray Owl - These large owls can be found in dense forests in the northern part of the state.
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Bald Eagle - Idaho has a significant winter population of Bald Eagles, particularly near Lake Coeur d’Alene.
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Golden Eagle - These large raptors are common in Idaho’s mountainous regions and can be seen soaring above open country.
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Turkey Vulture - The most common vulture in Idaho, these birds can be spotted soaring in the sky in search for carrion, especially in summer.
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American Kestrel - These small falcons are common throughout Idaho, often spotted on telephone wires in open country.
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Peregrine Falcon - Found near cliffs and increasingly in cities, Peregrine Falcons have rebounded from near extinction.
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Prairie Falcon - These large falcons inhabit open country and can be found throughout the state.
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Osprey - Common around bodies of water, you can spot these fish-eating raptors throughout the state, especially near Coeur d’Alene.
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Red-tailed Hawk - As the most common raptor in Idaho, these birds can be spotted throughout the state, often seen soaring over fields or perched on telephone poles.
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Swainson’s Hawk - A common summer resident, Swainson’s Hawks inhabit open country and can often be seen in the Magic Valley region.
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Cooper’s Hawk - These hawks are commonly spotted in forests and suburban areas throughout the state.
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Sharp-shinned Hawk - While less common than Cooper’s Hawks, they can be spotted in forests during migration periods.
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Ferruginous Hawk - These large hawks inhabit open grasslands and sagebrush areas, making them a more common sight in southern Idaho.
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Rough-legged Hawk - A winter visitor to Idaho, they are often seen hovering over fields in search of prey.
- Other birds spotted rarely include broad winged hawks and northern goshawks
Where to Spot Idaho’s Birds of Prey
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Boise: This area hosts one of the highest densities of nesting raptors in North America. Eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls are regularly seen here.
Coeur d’Alene’s Lake, Coeur d’Alene: It’s a popular spot to see the majestic Bald Eagles, especially during December and January when they come to feed on Kokanee Salmon.
Camas National Wildlife Refuge, Hamer: This refuge is known for its diversity of wildlife, including various birds of prey such as the Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, and occasional Bald Eagles.
Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Montpelier: This refuge offers wetlands and uplands where you can spot several raptor species, including owls, hawks, and eagles.
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Nampa: Home to a wide variety of wildlife, this refuge is particularly good for spotting different types of raptors, including the American Kestrel and Swainson’s Hawk.
The rugged landscapes of Idaho are a perfect backdrop for a variety of raptors. Journey to the dynamic landscapes of Montana, where Montana’s Sky Predators embody the state’s wild spirit. Alternatively, explore Nevada’s Desert Hunters, representative of the state’s stunning desert beauty. Expand your knowledge of these species with our Birds of Prey Guide.