Ohio boasts a rich diversity of birds of prey, captivating both residents and visitors alike. Whether soaring above the Cuyahoga Valley National Park or hunting amidst the urban sprawl, birds such as Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, and Northern Harriers showcase their unique behaviors and add to the natural beauty of the Buckeye State.
Types of Birds of Prey in Ohio
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Ohio | Best Place to Spot in Ohio | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Lake Erie Islands, major rivers | All year |
| Osprey | Large | Common | Near bodies of water | Spring - Fall |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Ohio | Spring - Fall |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Ohio | Spring - Fall |
| Black Vulture | Large | Common | Southern Ohio | Spring - Fall |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Common | Throughout Ohio in winter | Winter |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Common | Urban areas | Spring - Fall |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Wooded areas | Spring - Fall |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Common | Wooded areas | Spring - Fall |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium | Common | Forested areas | Spring - Fall |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Very Common | Throughout Ohio | All year |
| Barred Owl | Medium | Common | Forested areas | All year |
| Snowy Owl | Medium | Rare | Northern Ohio during irruption years | Winter |
| American Barn Owl | Medium | Rare | Farmland areas | Spring - Fall |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Wetlands and open fields in winter | Winter |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Common | Wooded areas | Spring - Fall |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Rare | Forested regions | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Very Common | Throughout Ohio | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Common | Open countryside | Spring - Fall |
Other birds of prey which are sometimes Ohio birds include the Northern Harrier. See our complete guide to hawks in Ohio for all the hawks that sometimes visit Ohio.
Ohio's Birds of Prey Photo Guide
Where to Spot Ohio’s Birds of Prey
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area: Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, this wildlife area is renowned for bird watching, especially during the migration season. Raptors such as Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels can be spotted here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This national park between Cleveland and Akron is home to a variety of habitats that attract numerous birds of prey, including Barred Owls, Cooper’s Hawks, and Red-shouldered Hawks. Its extensive trail network provides plenty of opportunities for bird watching.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge: Situated along the Lake Erie shoreline, this refuge is an excellent spot to see a variety of raptors such as Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons, particularly during migration seasons.
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area: As the largest state-administered marshland in Ohio, this area is a great place to see a variety of raptors including Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Cooper’s Hawks.
Shawnee State Park: This park in the Appalachian foothills is home to a variety of bird species, including raptors like Broad-winged Hawks, Barred Owls, and Bald Eagles. The dense forest provides an ideal habitat for these birds of prey.
Ohio’s diverse habitats are a paradise for various birds of prey. Experience the spirit of the Midwest mirrored by Indiana’s Sky Predators. Venture east to Pennsylvania, where the birds of prey encapsulate the Keystone State’s vibrant ecosystems. Or, head south to Kentucky, where the preying birds reflect the Bluegrass State’s enchanting beauty. Discover more about these birds with our ultimate US Birds of Prey Guide.