Oklahoma is a haven for birds of prey, offering a diverse array of habitats that attract these magnificent creatures. Whether you’re exploring the wooded areas of the eastern part of the state or the open plains of the west, be prepared to witness the awe-inspiring presence of birds of prey soaring through the Oklahoma skies.
Types of Birds of Prey in Oklahoma
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Oklahoma | Best Place to Spot in Oklahoma | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Eagle | Large | Rare | Western Oklahoma | Winter |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Oklahoma | All year |
| Swainson's Hawk | Large | Common | Open grasslands, farmlands | Spring - Fall |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Western Oklahoma | Spring - Fall |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Common | Forested areas | Spring - Fall |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Rare | Throughout Oklahoma in winter | Winter |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Oklahoma | Spring - Fall |
| Black Vulture | Large | Common | Southern Oklahoma | All year |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Wetlands, open fields | All year |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Wooded areas | All year |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Common | Wooded areas | All year |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Rare | Urban areas | Spring - Fall |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Rare | Western Oklahoma | Winter |
| Osprey | Large | Common | Near bodies of water | Spring - Fall |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Very Common | Throughout Oklahoma | All year |
| Barred Owl | Medium | Common | Forested areas | All year |
| Barn Owl | Medium | Common | Farmlands, open grasslands | All year |
| Long-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Dense woodlands | Winter |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Open grasslands, wetlands | Winter |
| Snowy Owl | Medium | Very Rare | Northern Oklahoma during irruption years | Winter |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Very Rare | Forested regions | Winter |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Forested areas | All year |
| Western Screech-Owl | Small | Rare | Western Oklahoma | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Open countryside | All year |
Oklahoma's Birds of Prey Photo Guides
Where to Spot Oklahoma ’s Birds of Prey
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: As one of the oldest managed wildlife facilities in the United States, this refuge located in southwestern Oklahoma is home to a variety of birds of prey such as Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Prairie Falcons. Its diverse terrain offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Located in northwestern Oklahoma, this refuge is well-known for bird watching and hosts various raptors like Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Cooper’s Hawks. The unique salt plains and wetlands attract a wide range of bird species.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge: Situated along the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma, this refuge is an excellent place to see a variety of raptors, particularly Ospreys and Bald Eagles, which are attracted to the abundant fishing opportunities.
Oklahoma City’s Martin Park Nature Center: This urban oasis is home to a variety of local wildlife, including several birds of prey such as Red-tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, and Cooper’s Hawks.
Black Kettle National Grasslands: Located in the panhandle region, this vast expanse of grasslands is a perfect habitat for birds of prey such as Ferruginous Hawks, Golden Eagles, and Swainson’s Hawks. Its wide-open landscapes provide excellent visibility for bird watching.
Oklahoma’s varied landscapes host a wide range of raptors. Discover the natural allure embodied by Kansas’s Feathered Predators. Journey east to Arkansas, where the birds of prey resonate with the Natural State’s untamed charm. To the south, Texas’s Winged Warriors symbolize the Lone Star State’s dynamic habitats. Enhance your knowledge about these avian marvels with our in-depth Guide to Raptors.