Rhode Island offers suitable habitats for several species, including hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. These majestic birds play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents and other small animals. The state’s parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal areas provide excellent opportunities to witness the remarkable hunting skills and aerial displays of these magnificent creatures.
Types of Birds of Prey in Rhode Island
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Rhode Island | Best Place to Spot in Rhode Island | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Rhode Island | All year |
| Osprey | Large | Common | Coastal areas and rivers | Spring - Fall |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands and suburban areas | All year |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Common | Forests and suburban areas | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Common | Open countryside | All year |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Open fields and wetlands | All year |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Common | Forests | Spring - Fall |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Near bodies of water | All year |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Uncommon | Urban areas and cliffs | Spring - Fall |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Common | Forests | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Woodlands and suburban areas | All year |
| Barred Owl | Medium | Common | Mature forests | All year |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Uncommon | Dense, coniferous forests | Fall - Spring |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Rhode Island | All year |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium | Common | Wet, deciduous forests | All year |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Uncommon | Open fields and grasslands | Winter |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Uncommon | Open fields and grasslands | Winter |
| Merlin | Small | Uncommon | Open woodlands and fields | Spring - Fall |
| Northern Goshawk | Medium | Rare | Dense, coniferous forests | All year |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Rare | Ridge and valley regions | Fall - Spring |
| Black Vulture | Large | Rare | Southern Rhode Island | All year |
If you are looking for Hawks in Rhode Island, there are many hawk watch sites that allow you to watch these spectacular birds and that include seeing the immature birds and even the odd very rare visitors like snowy owls. See our Rhode Island Hawks guide.
Birds of Prey in Rhode Island Photo Guides
Where to Spot Rhode Island’s Birds of Prey
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge: Located in Charlestown, this refuge provides a perfect habitat for various raptors like Ospreys, Northern Harriers, and Red-tailed Hawks. Its marshlands and open fields make it an ideal spot for bird watching.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: Situated in Middletown, this coastal refuge is a common destination for bird watchers, where you can spot birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Northern Harriers.
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge, located in South Kingstown, is the only undeveloped coastal pond in the state, attracting a variety of birds including raptors like Ospreys and American Kestrels.
Norman Bird Sanctuary: In Middletown, this sanctuary’s diverse habitats attract a variety of raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers.
George Washington Management Area: Located in Glocester, this vast woodland area is home to a number of raptors such as Barred Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, and Broad-winged Hawks.
Rhode Island’s coastal charm resonates with its variety of raptors. Witness the allure of Massachusetts’ Sky Predators, which mirror the state’s coastal and inland beauty. Or, venture west to Connecticut, where birds of prey embody the Constitution State’s natural charm. Discover more about these captivating birds with our comprehensive Guide to American Raptors.