Iowa, a state known for its sprawling fields and plentiful rivers, provides a diverse landscape that is home to a myriad of bird species. A particularly intriguing part of this avian population is the impressive array of birds of prey, known as raptors. From the towering skies to the dense, wooded riverbanks, these birds occupy a variety of habitats across the state.
List of Birds of Prey in Iowa:
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Great Horned Owl: Known as Iowa’s most common owl, these birds can be spotted throughout the state in diverse habitats, from woodlands to city parks.
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Barred Owl: Preferring deep forests near water, they can be primarily found in the eastern part of the state.
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Eastern Screech-Owl: This small owl is widespread and adapts well to wooded urban and suburban settings.
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Snowy Owl: A winter visitor, they are occasionally spotted in open country during severe winters.
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American Barn Owl: Now rare in Iowa due to habitat loss, they can sometimes be seen in grasslands and open country.
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Burrowing Owl: This species, found in open habitats in the western part of the state, is unique for nesting in underground burrows.
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Short-eared Owl: Preferring open grasslands, this species is mostly seen in winter months.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl: This elusive owl is primarily found in dense woodlands, especially during migration in the spring and fall.
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American Kestrel: This colorful falcon is a common sight in the countryside, often seen perched on power lines.
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Peregrine Falcon: Once endangered, these birds have recovered in numbers and are often seen nesting on city skyscrapers.
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Bald Eagle: With a significant increase in population, Bald Eagles are a common sight near water bodies, especially during winter.
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Turkey Vulture: This common summer resident can often be seen soaring in groups across the Iowa sky.
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Red-tailed Hawk: This is the most common hawk species in Iowa, visible in open areas across the state.
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Sharp-shinned Hawk: These agile raptors frequent forests and are often seen during migration seasons.
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Cooper’s Hawk: Found in both woodland and urban areas, they have become more common due to a growth in bird feeders attracting their prey.
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Broad-winged Hawk: These are primarily seen in eastern Iowa’s deciduous forests, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
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Swainson’s Hawk: Mainly found in open grasslands in the western part of the state during the summer.
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Rough-legged Hawk: Winter visitors from the Arctic, they can be seen in open areas hunting small mammals.
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Osprey: These birds of prey are slowly making a comeback in Iowa, primarily nesting near bodies of water.
- See our guide to hawks in Iowa (hawks in Iowa), but other hawks which rarely visit include the red shouldered hawk, ferruginous hawk, northern harrier and northern goshawks (red shouldered hawks being the rarest).
Where to Spot Iowa’s Birds of Prey
Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry: This park not only features intriguing Native American mound structures but also a variety of raptors. Bald Eagles are a common sight, especially along the Mississippi River that runs along the park’s eastern border.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Prairie City: This refuge was established to protect, restore and reconstruct the Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem that once covered most of Iowa. Look for Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers soaring above the prairie lands.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley: Located along the migratory bird route, the refuge attracts a variety of raptors. Besides Bald Eagles, expect to see various species of hawks and owls.
Lake Macbride State Park, Solon: A hotspot for birdwatchers, the park’s mix of mature woodlands, wetlands, and prairie offer the perfect habitat for birds of prey, including owls, hawks, and eagles.
Ledges State Park, Madrid: The park’s dramatic cliffs and valleys, combined with dense woodlands, make it a prime spot for spotting a variety of raptors, including several hawk species and Great Horned Owls.
Iowa’s heartland is home to a host of avian predators. Witness the resilience of Minnesota’s Sky Hunters, symbolic of the North Star State’s indomitable spirit. Southwards, Missouri’s Raptors exude the charm and mystery of the Show-Me State. Explore these species further with our Birds of Prey Guide.