From the windswept shores of Chesapeake Bay to the rolling Appalachian Mountains, Maryland is home to an impressive array of Birds of Prey. Hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, among others, adorn the skies and forests of this vibrant state, playing a crucial role in maintaining its ecological equilibrium. These predatory birds, with their sharp eyes, powerful talons, and predatory prowess, offer an extraordinary spectacle of natural power and grace.
List of Birds of Prey in Maryland
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Red-tailed Hawk: Common throughout Maryland, they can often be seen in open fields and along the highways.
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Rough-legged Hawk: Winter visitors, often found in open fields, particularly in the western part of the state.
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Broad-winged Hawk: Common in forested areas, especially during migration season in places like Catoctin Mountain Park.
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Red-shouldered Hawk: Widely seen in forested areas, such as the Green Ridge State Forest.
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Northern Goshawk: Rare but present, mostly spotted in large forest areas like Savage River State Forest.
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Cooper’s Hawk: Common throughout the state, they are often seen in suburban areas and parks.
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Sharp-shinned Hawk: Most frequently observed during migration seasons in places like Assateague Island National Seashore.
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Barn Owl: Mostly found in rural areas with old barns and open fields.
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Eastern Screech-Owl: Common in wooded areas and suburbs throughout Maryland.
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Great Horned Owl: Found across the state, from deep forests to city parks.
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Snowy Owl: Winter visitors to Maryland, occasionally seen in coastal areas like Chesapeake Bay.
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Barred Owl: Regularly seen in forested areas throughout Maryland, such as Gunpowder Falls State Park.
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Short-eared Owl: Found in open grasslands, particularly in the Eastern Shore region.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl: Common in dense forests, particularly in western Maryland.
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American Kestrel: Seen throughout Maryland, often found in open fields and farmlands.
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Merlin: Common during the migration season, especially in coastal areas like Ocean City.
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Peregrine Falcon: Found in mountainous regions and along the coast, with a notable population in Baltimore City.
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Golden Eagle: Rare, but can be seen during winter in the mountainous regions of western Maryland.
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Bald Eagle: Widespread in Maryland, particularly near large bodies of water like the Chesapeake Bay.
Where to Spot Maryland’s Birds of Prey
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge: This refuge is known for its high Bald Eagle population, but you may also see other birds of prey such as Ospreys, Northern Harriers, and various hawk species.
Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont: In this beautiful mountain setting, you can spot a variety of birds of prey including Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and several owl species.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin: This coastal location provides excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly for birds of prey like Ospreys and Northern Harriers. In winter, you can spot Snowy Owls here.
Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont: This park offers prime birdwatching with species like the Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Barred Owls known to inhabit the area.
Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel: This refuge has a diverse range of habitats where you can spot several species of hawks, Bald Eagles, and various owls. It’s also home to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, focusing on wildlife management research.
Maryland’s vibrant ecosystems host an array of avian predators. Discover the historical resilience echoed by Pennsylvania’s Birds of Prey. On the other hand, Virginia’s Skyborne Predators reflect the Old Dominion’s rich natural heritage. To explore these birds further, check out our Birds of Prey Guide.