Nebraska, known for its vast prairies, sandhills, and river valleys, serves as a critical habitat for a variety of captivating birds of prey. From majestic hawks soaring high above the Platte River to stealthy owls perched silently in the cottonwood forests, these raptors embody the spirit of the Nebraska landscape.
Types of Birds of Prey in Nebraska
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Nebraska | Best Place to Spot in Nebraska | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Common | Indian Cave State Park | Spring - Fall |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Ponca State Park | All year |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Very Common | Niobrara Valley Preserve | All year |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Common | Sandhills grasslands | Spring - Fall |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Throughout Nebraska | Spring - Fall |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Very Common | Scotts Bluff National Monument | Spring - Fall |
| American Barn Owl | Medium | Very Rare | Indian Cave State Park | Spring - Fall |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Common | Niobrara Valley Preserve | Spring - Fall |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Very Rare | Urban areas, Omaha & Lincoln | Spring - Fall |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Rare | Wildcat Hills | Spring - Fall |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Rare | Eastern Nebraska during migration | Spring - Fall |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Nebraska | Spring - Fall |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Sandhills grasslands | Spring - Fall |
| Swainson's Hawk | Large | Common | Sandhills grasslands | Spring - Fall |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Common | Throughout Nebraska during winter | Winter |
| Osprey | Large | Rare | Reservoirs and large rivers | Spring - Summer |
| Great Horned Owl | Large | Very Common | Throughout Nebraska | All year |
| Snowy Owl | Large | Very Rare | Eastern Nebraska during irruption years | Winter |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Very Common | Missouri River Corridor | All year |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Very Common | Panhandle and Sandhills | All year |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Common | Throughout Nebraska | Spring - Fall |
Other hawks in Nebraska which are rare visitors include the red-shouldered hawk and the northern goshawks - check out our complete guide to hawks in Nebraska here.
Nebraska's Birds of Prey Photo Guide
Where to Spot Nebraska’s Birds of Prey
Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue: A large, wooded park with numerous trails, Fontenelle Forest is home to a variety of birds of prey. Regularly sighted species include Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and various species of owls, particularly during the spring and fall migrations.
Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon: Located along the Platte River, this sanctuary is a haven for a variety of birds. Among the birds of prey that can be spotted here are Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Peregrine Falcons.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine: Located in the Sandhills region of Nebraska, this refuge is home to various birds of prey, including Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Golden Eagles.
Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area, Rushville: An excellent location for birding, this area is home to a variety of raptors, including the Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier. This place becomes a significant nesting ground for various species during the spring and summer months.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering: A significant landmark along the Oregon Trail, Scotts Bluff is also a good location for viewing birds of prey. Here you might spot Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels, especially during migration periods.
Nebraska’s midwestern charm resonates with its variety of birds of prey. Discover the tenacity of South Dakota’s Feathered Predators, mirroring the Mount Rushmore State’s vibrant spirit. Or, witness the resilience of Kansas’s Skyborne Hunters, reflecting the state’s endless prairies. To the north, Wyoming’s Raptors evoke the state’s wild beauty. Delve into the world of these creatures with our complete US Raptors Guide.