Maine’s lush forests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline provide a captivating backdrop for an array of Birds of Prey, including owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons. As nature’s master hunters, these raptors command the sky with their sharp eyesight, powerful beaks, and formidable talons. An encounter with these awe-inspiring creatures, whether it be a solitary eagle riding the thermals or a stealthy owl nestled in a leafy bower, adds a sense of wild grandeur to the Pine Tree State’s already rich natural tapestry.
List of Birds of Prey in Maine
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Red-tailed Hawk: Frequently seen in Maine, often near the highways and open fields.
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Sharp-shinned Hawk: Found in forests throughout Maine, they are most common during the migratory season.
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Cooper’s Hawk: Predominantly spotted in wooded areas, they have been reported across Maine.
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Red-shouldered Hawk: Seen throughout the state, they prefer mixed woodlands near water bodies.
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Broad-winged Hawk: Widespread during the summer, especially in forests and woodlands.
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Rough-legged Hawk: Winter visitors to Maine, often seen in open fields and marshes.
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Osprey: Common near lakes and rivers during summer, including the Penobscot River region.
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Great Horned Owl: Widespread in Maine, can be spotted in a variety of habitats, from forests to suburbs.
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Barred Owl: Predominantly seen in forests, especially in the Acadia National Park.
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Eastern Screech-Owl: Though less common, they inhabit woodlands and suburbs across Maine.
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Snowy Owl: Regular winter visitors, especially in open, treeless areas like the coastal plains.
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Great Gray Owl: Rare in Maine, but occasionally seen in the northernmost parts of the state.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl: Found in forests across Maine, particularly in the northern and western regions.
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Short-eared Owl: Mostly seen in open habitats like grasslands and marshes, especially in the coastal areas.
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Peregrine Falcon: Recovering species seen throughout the state, notably in coastal cliffs and urban areas.
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American Kestrel: Commonly seen in open habitats across Maine, such as meadows and farmlands.
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Bald Eagle: Abundant near large bodies of water, Maine’s Downeast Lakes region is a notable habitat.
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Turkey Vulture: Common throughout Maine, especially in open, rural, and suburban areas.
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Black Vulture: Increasingly common in southern Maine, often seen alongside Turkey Vultures.
Where to Spot Maine’s Birds of Prey
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor: This park is home to various raptor species, including Peregrine Falcons, which were reintroduced to the park in the 1980s. You can also spot Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and several owl species.
Down East Bird Observatory at Moose Island, Eastport: This observatory located in the Quoddy Head State Park is an excellent location for spotting migrating raptors, including various hawk species, eagles, and falcons.
Baxter State Park, Millinocket: This wilderness park is an excellent place to spot a variety of raptors, including Bald Eagles, hawks, and owls. The park’s vast forests and waters attract these predators.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells: Covering a range of coastal habitats, this refuge offers bird watchers the opportunity to see a variety of bird species including hawks, owls, and eagles, particularly during migration seasons.
Maine Audubon’s Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, Guilford: This sanctuary offers hiking trails through diverse habitats, where you can spot Broad-winged Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and various owl species.
The breathtaking landscapes of Maine are a theatre for a variety of birds of prey. Discover the maritime legacy reflected by New Hampshire’s Sky Hunters. To the south, Massachusetts’ Feathered Predators perfectly encapsulate the Bay State’s diverse ecosystems. Broaden your understanding of these winged wonders with our comprehensive Birds of Prey Guide.