Birds of Prey in Oregon (23 Most Common)

Oregon is a haven for birds of prey, boasting a rich diversity of species that grace its skies. From the rugged coastline to the mountainous regions, Oregon offers a range of landscapes that attract a variety of birds of prey, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Types of Birds of Prey in Oregon

Bird's Name	Size	Frequency in Oregon	Best Place to Spot in Oregon	Best Viewing Season
Bald Eagle	Large	Common	Near bodies of water	Winter
Osprey	Large	Common	Near bodies of water	Spring - Fall
Red-tailed Hawk	Large	Very Common	Throughout Oregon	All year
Cooper's Hawk	Medium	Common	Forested areas	All year
Northern Harrier	Medium	Common	Wetlands, open fields	All year
American Kestrel	Small	Very Common	Open countryside	All year
Peregrine Falcon	Medium	Rare	Cliffs, tall urban structures	Spring - Fall
Turkey Vulture	Large	Very Common	Throughout Oregon	Spring - Fall
Swainson's Hawk	Large	Common	Open grasslands, farmlands	Spring - Fall
Sharp-shinned Hawk	Small	Common	Forested areas	All year
Merlin	Small	Common	Open woodlands, fields	All year
Great Horned Owl	Medium	Very Common	Throughout Oregon	All year
Northern Goshawk	Medium	Rare	Dense forests	All year
Ferruginous Hawk	Large	Rare	Eastern Oregon	Winter
Prairie Falcon	Medium	Rare	Cliffs in desert regions	Spring - Fall
Golden Eagle	Large	Common	Eastern Oregon	All year
Rough-legged Hawk	Large	Rare	Throughout Oregon in winter	Winter
Western Screech-Owl	Small	Common	Forested areas	All year
Barn Owl	Medium	Common	Open countryside, barns	All year
Short-eared Owl	Medium	Rare	Wetlands, grasslands	All year
Northern Saw-whet Owl	Small	Rare	Forested regions	All year
Barred Owl	Medium	Common	Forested areas	All year
White-tailed Kite	Small	Rare	Open grasslands, farmlands	All year

Oregon Birds of Prey Photo Guides

Other hawks in Oregon, which are rare visitors include broad winged hawks which are dark morph birds, the red shouldered hawk and the sparrow hawk, see our guide to Oregon hawks here.

Where to Spot Oregon ’s Birds of Prey

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges: Located on the Oregon-California border, these refuges provide an excellent habitat for a wide variety of raptors. Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Red-tailed Hawks are commonly sighted here, particularly during the winter months.

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge in southeastern Oregon is renowned for its rich bird diversity. Raptors such as the Golden Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk, and Prairie Falcon are often seen in this vast area of wetlands, grasslands, and desert.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the Columbia River floodplain, this refuge is home to several species of birds of prey, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Northern Harriers. The refuge’s varied habitats provide excellent birdwatching opportunities year-round.

Steens Mountain Wilderness: Rising dramatically from the high desert floor, this mountain range provides habitat for Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons. Birdwatchers can spot these raptors soaring above the rugged landscape.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: This spectacular river canyon offers habitats for a variety of raptors, including Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, and Red-tailed Hawks. The gorge’s steep cliffs and wide river provide excellent hunting grounds for these birds.

Oregon, with its coastal and forest habitats, is home to a diversity of birds of prey. Witness the beauty of California’s Birds of Prey, echoing the Golden State’s varied ecosystems. Or, explore the wilderness symbolized by Idaho’s Sky Predators. To the north, Washington’s Raptors mirror the Evergreen State’s lush landscapes. Delve into these species further with our comprehensive US Birds of Prey Resource.