Raptors - the Birds of Prey

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Bald Eagle

It has been a decade since the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species list. Historic levels of eagles reached 100,000 before plummeting to just 417 pairs in 1963.

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Osprey

Ospreys are large hawks with slender bodies, long narrow wings and long legs. Their posture when flying helps identify them – the kink in the wings makes an M-shape when seen from below.

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Barn Owl

These owls are hauntingly beautiful; it is too bad they are nocturnal, active at night, so we rarely see them.

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Red-Tailed Hawk

This is the most common hawk in North America and will be found in every type of open habitat. As one of the most frequently observed raptors in our region, you will find them soaring above open fields or perched atop telephone poles looking for their next meal.

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American Kestrel

This is our smallest falcon and the most familiar and widespread falcon in North America. They are found in the United States year round.

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Western Screech Owl

The Western Screech-Owl is very common, rather small and very inconspicuous. They are only 7 to 10 inches in total length with a squat body. They have yellow eyes, gray or brown feathers that are streaky on the lower body and have a short tail. Like the Great Horned Owl, they have ear tufts (they are not really ears) that fool some into thinking they are baby Great Horned Owls.

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Great Horned Owl

Who is the “tiger of the air?” It’s a great horned owl. This nickname originated with an early naturalist’s description of a “winged tiger” and because of their aggressive and powerful hunting.

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Cooper's Hawk

Cooper’s hawks have a square head and look like they are wearing a cap. The head has a dark gray crown above a slightly paler nap.

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Northern Pygmy Owl

Two ways to try to spot these tiny owls: listen for a series of evenly spaced and high-pitched toots. Or look for groups of mobbing songbirds.

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The Red-Shouldered Hawk

The mating display of these hawks is called a “sky dance” where he soars while calling, makes deep dives towards the female, climbs back up in wide spirals and descends and rises again, then finally and rapidly diving to perch upon the female’s back.