Indiana, often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, is also a remarkable habitat for a broad range of birds of prey. With habitats ranging from dense forests to sprawling prairies and expansive wetlands, Indiana provides an abundant supply of resources to support a multitude of raptor species.
List of Birds of Prey in Indiana:
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Great Horned Owl: Known as the ‘Tiger of the Sky’, this species is abundant throughout Indiana, occupying mixed landscapes from forests to suburban parks.
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Barred Owl: Mostly located in the woodlands of southern Indiana, they are known for their distinct “Who cooks for you?” call.
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Eastern Screech-Owl: Common across the state, they can be found in wooded areas near water bodies.
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Snowy Owl: These Arctic natives are occasional winter visitors seen in open fields and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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American Barn Owl: Once common in Indiana, barn owls have become rare but are slowly making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts.
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Short-eared Owl: Found in grasslands and wetlands, they are most visible at dawn and dusk.
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Northern Saw-whet Owl: This small owl can be found in dense forested areas, but they are elusive and often hard to spot.
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Red-tailed Hawk: The most common hawk in Indiana, found in diverse habitats from forests to farmlands and even urban areas.
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Sharp-shinned Hawk: Less common, they inhabit wooded areas and are often seen during migration seasons.
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Cooper’s Hawk: Commonly found in woodlands and suburban areas, they are known for their swift, agile flight.
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Red-shouldered Hawk: They are most common in the wet forests of southern Indiana.
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Broad-winged Hawk: A summer resident, this species can be found in the forests throughout the state.
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Rough-legged Hawk: Winter visitors to Indiana, they can often be spotted in the state’s open fields and farmlands.
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Osprey: Often seen around bodies of water, they are most common during migration seasons.
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American Kestrel: The most common falcon in the state, often seen perched on utility poles along the roadways.
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Peregrine Falcon: They are now increasingly common in urban areas, especially Indianapolis, where they nest on tall buildings.
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Bald Eagle: After successful conservation efforts, Bald Eagles are again common in Indiana, especially near large bodies of water.
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Turkey Vulture: Common across the state, they can often be seen soaring in the sky during warmer months.
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Black Vulture: Less common than Turkey Vultures, they are expanding their range northwards into southern Indiana.
- Other birds which have been seen very rarely include the Northern harrier and the red shouldered hawk, known for its strongly banded tail.
Where to Spot Indiana’s Birds of Prey
Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis: One of the largest city parks in the U.S., Eagle Creek is a haven for bird watchers. Birds of prey spotted here include Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and the park’s namesake Bald Eagles.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter: This area, with its variety of habitats, attracts a wide range of birds. You can spot several hawk species, Bald Eagles, and owls, especially during migration seasons.
Brown County State Park, Nashville: Known as the “Little Smokies” because of its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, this park offers diverse birdwatching opportunities, including several species of hawks, owls, and the occasional Bald Eagle.
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Linton: This 9,000-acre prairie and marsh habitat is home to numerous raptor species, including Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Bald Eagles, especially in the winter months.
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, Oakland City: This refuge offers diverse habitats where you can spot Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald Eagles, and Barred Owls. It’s also home to Indiana’s only known nesting pair of Swallow-tailed Kites.
In Indiana, the spectacle of swooping raptors is a common sight. Traverse over to Michigan’s Birds of Prey, an echo of the state’s diverse natural bounty. Head south to experience the raw, untamed beauty represented by Kentucky’s Feathered Hunters. Dive deeper into these avian marvels with our comprehensive Birds of Prey Guide.