Birds of Prey in Utah thrive amidst the diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas of the state finding sanctuary in Utah’s mountains, deserts, and wetlands. Utah offers abundant opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to witness the grace, power, and natural beauty of these incredible creatures in their native habitats.
Types of Birds of Prey in Utah
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Utah | Best Place to Spot in Utah | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Utah | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Open fields and grasslands | All year |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Common | Mountainous regions | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Near large bodies of water | Autumn - Spring |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Uncommon | Mixed forest areas | Autumn - Spring |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Wetlands and open fields | All year |
| Swainson's Hawk | Medium | Common | Open plains and agricultural fields | Spring - Autumn |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Open grasslands and fields | Autumn - Spring |
| Osprey | Large | Uncommon | Near large bodies of water | Spring - Autumn |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Uncommon | Mountainous regions and cliffs | Spring - Autumn |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Common | Open grasslands and cliffs | All year |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Common | Throughout Utah | Spring - Autumn |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Common | Open grasslands with burrows | All year |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Uncommon | Wetlands and open fields | Autumn - Spring |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Rare | Dense coniferous forests | Autumn - Spring |
| Western Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Woodlands and shrublands | All year |
| Long-eared Owl | Medium | Uncommon | Dense woodlands | All year |
| Northern Goshawk | Large | Uncommon | Dense coniferous forests | All year |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Rare | Mixed forest areas | Spring - Autumn |
When it comes to Hawks in Utah, you can sometimes also see the rough legged hawk. During the winter months, Utah becomes a temporary home for Rough-legged Hawks as they migrate from their breeding grounds in the Arctic regions. See here for a complete guide to Utah hawks.
Utah Birds of Prey Photo Guides
Where to Spot Utah’s Birds of Prey
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: Situated in northern Utah, this wetland refuge is an important site for bird migration. Raptors like the Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier can be spotted, especially during migration seasons.
Zion National Park: This famous national park’s diverse habitats support a variety of raptors, including Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Red-tailed Hawks. Its cliffs provide ideal nesting spots for these birds of prey.
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the west desert region of Utah, this refuge is home to a variety of raptors like Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, and Ferruginous Hawks.
Antelope Island State Park: This state park in the Great Salt Lake is a prime location for birdwatching, with a wide variety of birds of prey, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Known for its stunning geological formations, the park also supports several raptor species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, and Prairie Falcon.
Utah’s canyons and deserts host a plethora of raptors. Discover the beauty of Nevada’s Feathered Predators that resonate with the Silver State’s untamed charm. To the north, Idaho’s Skyborne Hunters echo the Gem State’s lush landscapes. Head east to Colorado’s birds of prey, where the Winged Warriors reflect the Centennial State’s dynamic habitats. Unearth more about these captivating creatures with our all-encompassing Guide to American Raptors.