30 Birds of Prey Present in Arizona! (2024)

OWLS

#11. Nice Horned Owl

• Size: 17-25 in (43 – 64 cm)
• Weight: 2.5 to 4 lbs (1134 – 1814 g)
• Wingspan: 3 – 5 ft (91-153 cm)

Nice Horned Owls are frequent birds of prey in Arizona.

The truth is, these raptors can really be discovered virtually anyplace in North America, from the Arctic to the tropics. Its habitat is virtually limitless so long as there are bushes and rocky nesting websites out there. It’s onerous to discover a chicken that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.

Nice Horned Owl Vary Map

These owls are giant and look fierce! To establish them, search for their lengthy tufts of feathers that resemble ears on their head.

Additionally, take a look at their intimidating eyes. I do know I’d not wish to have a staring contest with one!

Each sexes hoot, however males are lower-pitched than females. Males give territorial calls that may be heard just a few miles away at evening. I don’t suppose there’s one other owl species that does hooting higher than a Nice Horned Owl!

#12. Lengthy-eared Owl

• Size: 31 and 40 cm (12 and 16 in)
• Weight: 288 g – 327 g (10.2 oz – 11.5 oz)
• Wingspan: 86 to 102 cm (34 in to 40 in)

Lengthy-eared Owls are often known as the Northern Lengthy-Eared Owl, Lesser Horned Owl, or Cat Owl due to their catlike facial options.

They’re secretive and roost in very dense foliage. Mixed with their glorious camouflage, these birds of prey are EXTREMELY onerous to identify in Arizona!

As you’ll be able to see, these owls get their identify from the lengthy tufts of feathers on their heads. These ear tufts resemble exclamation factors, so Lengthy-eared Owls typically look like they’ve a stunned look on their face.

Lengthy-eared Owl Vary Map

Amongst owls, these guys are distinctive by being fairly sociable. They’re identified to dwell in clusters and even share roosts!

Since Lengthy-eared Owls will be extremely onerous to see, one of the best ways to find them is to hear! In the course of the mating season, males are fairly talkative. Their typical name is repeated anyplace from 10 to 200 instances and appears like a low “hoo,” evenly spaced each few seconds.

#13. Western Screech-Owl

• Size: 7.5–10 inches (19–28 cm)
• Weight: 3.5–11 oz. (100–300 grams)
• Wingspan: 22–24 inches (55–62 cm)

As soon as upon a time, Western Screech-owls had been regarded as the identical chicken because the Jap Screech-owl, however analysis has decided that they’re two distinct species.

Western Screech-owls will be present in forests, however you’ll additionally discover them in suburban parkland, deserts, farm fields, and any fundamental shrubland. They’re a comparatively frequent chicken of prey in Arizona.

Western Screech-owl Vary Map

The first meals of a Western Screech-owl embrace rats, mice, and birds. However they’re opportunistic hunters and also will eat fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, corresponding to crayfish, bugs, earthworms, and slugs.

Western Screech-owl calls will not be “screechy,” because the identify suggests. The commonest sound is a quite quiet, nice trill (“hoo-hoo-hoo” or “cr-r-oo-oo-oo”), which accelerates on the finish however maintains a continuing pitch.

#14. American Barn Owl

Barn Owls (aka Church Owl, Ghost Owl, and Monkey-faced Owl) have a heart-shaped face that’s sandy-colored with a darkish brown edge. Apparently, the form of an owl’s face steers sound to their ears, which helps make them environment friendly hunters.

Their listening to is so good that they’ll find small animals below dense brush or snow with ease, they usually even hunt bats!

Barn Owl Vary Map

Barn Owls are non-migratory and have a tendency to inhabit deserted barns (therefore the identify). Although critically endangered in lots of components of their vary, farmers love them as a result of they hold surrounding property pretty rodent-free, defending different animals from the illnesses that mice and rats carry.

They don’t “hoot” within the classical style of different owls. Their distinctive screechy sound is way extra paying homage to a red-tailed hawk. When displaying off for a feminine, males typically clap their wings collectively a few instances whereas flying.

#15. Burrowing Owl

• Size: 7.5–11.0 in (19–28 cm)
• Weight: 5–8.5 oz. (147–240 g)
• Wingspan: 20–24 inch (51–61 cm)

In contrast to different birds of prey in Arizona that spend their time in bushes, Burrowing Owls dwell underground!

They both excavate their properties themselves or, fairly incessantly, take over underground shelters from squirrels or prairie canines. These underground dens present lots of house to collect meals. They’ve been identified to have lots of of mice in storage in case of a meals scarcity!

Burrowing Owls have comparatively lengthy legs since they spend lots of time navigating on the bottom.

Burrowing Owl Vary Map

Whereas Burrowing Owls could make all kinds of sounds, they don’t seem to be particularly vocal. The commonest is a two-syllable that appears like “who-who” or “coo-coo-roo,” which is primarily made by males throughout mating and defending territories.

#16. Northern Noticed-whet Owl

• Size: 6.5–9 inches (17–23 cm)
• Weight: 1.9–5.3 oz. (54–151 grams)
• Wingspan: 16.5–22.2 inches (42–56.3 cm)

This species is without doubt one of the smallest raptors in Arizona, and they’re cute as a button.

Their favourite meals are mice, voles, and shrews. However these owls will complement their weight loss plan with small birds, bugs, and invertebrates when mandatory.

Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map

Northern Noticed-whet Owls desire dense coniferous or combined hardwood forests with a river close by. Due to their want for mature bushes, their numbers have been declining.

These owls get their identify from the sound they make when alarmed, which resembles the whetting (sharpening) of a noticed. However their most typical name occurs through the breeding season. It appears like a “too-too-too” emitted at about two notes per second.

#17. Northern Pygmy-Owl

• Size: 6.5 inches (16 cm)
• Weight: 2.2-2.5 ounces (62–72 g)
• Wingspan: 15 inches (38 cm)

The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small, diurnal (daytime) chicken. Its chest is white with vertical black stripes, whereas the rest is medium to darkish brown with spots. Search for two false eyes on the again of the top to dissuade assaults from behind.

These birds of prey typically desire open coniferous forests or combined forests in Arizona at greater altitudes, primarily pine with just a few deciduous bushes.

Northern Pygmy-Owl Vary Map

The chicken’s name is quite plain. It sounds lots like a one-note tin whistle (“too-too-too”)!

However don’t let the unimpressive hoots idiot you as a result of the Northern Pygmy-Owl is a robust little raptor. It’ll tackle birds which are greater than twice its dimension. Consider it or not, it has even been identified to feast on chickens!

#18. Flammulated Owl

• Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
• Weight: 1.8–2.3 oz. (50–65 grams)
• Wingspan: 14 inches (36 cm)

A chicken known as “flammulated” when it has flame-shaped markings. Wanting intently on the Flammulated Owl, you’ll be able to see the place it will get its identify. The feathering appears like an ash-covered log in a campfire the place flecks of ember present by.

It’s a wonderful coloration, but it surely additionally makes this small raptor significantly onerous to identify in Arizona.

Flammulated Owl Vary Map

Flammulated Owls dwell on the prime of the forest, particularly in coniferous forests. They may also nest in deciduous forests so long as there are some conifers as a part of the combination.

Due to their small dimension, Flammulated Owls hunt virtually completely for bugs (butterflies, moths, crickets, and beetles) and invertebrates. However often, small rodents are taken and eaten.

Flammulated Owls have a really giant windpipe. This adaptation permits them to make a deep base hoot that appears like a a lot bigger chicken. Folks seldom see these owls, however you’ll be able to hear their unusually deep name from among the many treetops.

#19. Noticed Owl

• Size: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Weight: 1.3 lbs (600 grams)
• Wingspan: 39–49 inches (1–1.25 meters)

Sadly, Noticed Owl populations proceed to say no because of habitat loss and competitors with Barred Owls. These threatened birds of prey solely dwell in mature forests in Arizona.

So when the massive bushes that these owls desire are minimize down, the habitat can’t get replaced for probably lots of of years.

Noticed Owl Vary Map

Like many different owls, this species doesn’t construct its nests. As a substitute, Noticed Owls take over nests that different birds made in years previous, or they use a broken-off treetop or hole tree cavity.

The commonest sound {that a} Noticed Owl makes is a collection of four-note mushy hoots. This name is given by each sexes and used to defend and mark their territory, though it will also be heard when males ship meals to females.

#20. Brief-eared Owl

• Size: 13–17 inches (34–43 cm)
• Weight: 7.3–16.8 oz (206–475 grams)
• Wingspan: 33.5-40.5 inches (85–103 cm)

This mid-sized tawny-brown mottled owl has false ears that aren’t at all times seen. Brief-eared Owls sometimes solely erect them after they wish to look intimidating.

Your greatest probability to identify these birds of prey in Arizona is at nightfall or daybreak in open fields, grasslands, meadows, or airports.

Brief-eared Owl Vary Map

These owls construct their nests on the bottom in open areas corresponding to meadows, tundra, savanna, or prairies.

If obliged to flee its nest to attract off a predator, the mother or father will poop on the eggs so the odor will hold predators away. Like a Kildeer, Brief-eared Owls additionally lure predators away from their nest by hopping away and pretending to be injured.

FALCONS, EAGLES, & VULTURES

#21. Peregrine Falcon

• Size: 13-23 in / 34-58 cm
• Weight: 12-53 oz. / 330-1500 g
• Wingspan: 29-47 in / 74-120 cm

These giant birds of prey are generally present in Arizona in city areas.

Due to their fondness for nesting on the perimeters of tall buildings, these falcons are frequent in cities the place they typically develop into native celebrities!

Peregrine Falcon Vary Map

Peregrine Falcons have the consideration of being the FASTEST animal on the planet! Don’t be fooled by tales that the cheetah is the quickest creature. Oh certain, they’ll crank it as much as 75 mph (120 kph), and that’s wonderful for being on the bottom.

However when a Peregrine Falcon dives, it may attain speeds of as much as 200 mph (320 kph)! And it begins its journey from as excessive as 3,000 ft (915 m), so it cruises at these excessive speeds for a substantial distance.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE THE INCREDIBLE DIVING ABILITIES OF THE PEREGRINE FALCON.

#22. American Kestrel

• Size: 9-12 inches / 22-31 cm
• Weight: 2.8-5.8 oz. / 80-165 g
• Wingspan: 20-24 inches / 51-61 cm

The American Kestrel is the smallest raptor in Arizona and is roughly the dimensions of an American Robin. Don’t let the tiny stature idiot you, although, as a result of these birds of prey are achieved hunters.

The truth is, you could have heard of a kestrel’s alternate identify, which is the Sparrow Hawk. This identify was given as a result of they are going to take sparrows and different birds of that dimension proper out of the air!

American Kestrel Vary Map

One among their favourite methods to catch prey is to hover within the breeze from a comparatively low top, in search of bugs, invertebrates, small rodents, and birds. However life will be robust once you’re the smallest falcon since they’re typically eaten as prey by bigger raptors, in addition to rat snakes and corn snakes!

Kestrels have a definite name that sounds prefer it’s saying “klee-klee-klee” or “killy, killy, killy,” which is often repeated quickly. Press the PLAY button beneath to listen to an instance!

#23. Prairie Falcon

• Size: 14.5-18.5 in / 37-47 cm
• Weight: 15-39 oz. / 425-1106 g
• Wingspan: 35.5-44.5 in / 90-113 cm

You’ll discover this raptor within the open areas of Arizona.

Particularly, search for Prairie Falcons in grasslands, shrubby deserts, farm fields, and pastures. If there are too many bushes round, then you definately in all probability received’t discover this stunning chicken of prey!

The Prairie Falcon and Peregrine Falcon look comparable to one another. The truth is, these two species diverged from a typical ancestor about 4 million years in the past. Though roughly the identical dimension, the Prairie Falcon is a significantly lighter chicken and requires much less meals because of this.

Prairie Falcon Vary Map

Prairie Falcons wish to play! They’ve been noticed choosing up manure, carrying it up excessive, after which dropping it, solely to catch the cow waste earlier than it hits the bottom. It’s thought that this exercise might assist sharpen their looking abilities.

Prairie Falcons are typically silent, however they are going to sound an alarm name (kik-kik-kik-kik) when defending their nest or territory.

#24. Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle Vary Map

The rationale that Bald Eagles are discovered round water is that they largely eat fish! Search for them round marshes, lakes, coasts, and rivers. The BEST areas are forests close to giant our bodies of water that present good fishing AND tall bushes for nesting websites.

Under, you’ll be able to hear what a Bald Eagle appears like. When you think about an intimidating eagle name, then you definately can be improper. I feel they sound extra like a gull, with trills and little whistles.

Press PLAY above to listen to a Bald Eagle!

#25. Merlin

Size: 9-13 inches / 23-33 cm

Weight: 4.4-10.6 oz. / 125-300 g

Wingspan: 21-23 inches / 53-58 cm

Merlins are small, fierce raptors present in Arizona.

With that being mentioned, they don’t seem to be that frequent to look at and are unpredictable in regard to their vary. They’re a bit bigger than the American Kestrel, with a stockier construct, sharply pointed wings, and medium-length tails. You may at all times establish a Merlin by its fast wingbeats and since it’s so small.

However regardless of its diminutive stature, this falcon is an extremely fierce chicken and makes use of shock assaults to convey down its prey. It’s so daring that it has been seen attacking trains and vehicles that enter its territory.

The Merlin is one chicken you don’t wish to annoy or make nervous!

Merlin Vary Map

Whereas typically silent, it’s potential to listen to a loud, excessive cackle that appears like “klee-klee-klee.” Sometimes, these calls are made throughout courtship or when displaying aggression. Press the PLAY button above to listen to an instance.

#26. Golden Eagle

• Size: 26-40 in / 66-100 cm
• Weight: 6.5-16 lbs / 3-7 kg
• Wingspan: 71-91 in / 1.8-2.3 m

Golden Eagles are extremely quick and agile, which makes them knowledgeable hunters. The place Bald Eagles largely eat fish, these eagles virtually at all times eat mammals. Their favourite prey embrace rabbits, hares, floor squirrels, marmots, and prairie canines.

However these raptors have been identified to hunt and kill animals as giant as small deer, seals, mountain goats, coyotes, and badgers!

Golden Eagles are darkish brown with gold feathers on the backs of their necks, which is how they acquired their identify. Juvenile birds have white patches on their wings and tails. Immature Bald Eagles and grownup Golden Eagles look comparable and will be simply confused.

The distinguishing characteristic between these two birds is that the Bald Eagle doesn’t thoughts displaying just a little leg, whereas the Golden Eagle has feathers right down to the highest of its ft.

These giant birds of prey desire huge open areas in Arizona, corresponding to landscapes that embrace cliffs, mountains, or hills. You can too spot these birds in grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, arctic tundra, and coniferous woodlands.

Golden Eagle Vary Map

These eagles will not be extraordinarily noisy, and their calls sound like whistles which are weak and excessive. Identical to Bald Eagles, for such a robust raptor, you’ll suppose Golden Eagles would have a way more intimidating sound.

#27. Turkey Vulture

• Size: 25-32 in / 64-81 cm
• Weight: 2-5 lbs / 0.8-2.4 kg
• Wingspan: 63-72 in / 160-183 cm

The Turkey Vulture is an extremely frequent chicken of prey in Arizona.

The truth is, it’s the most plentiful vulture in your complete nation. They’re comparatively simple to establish, as they’re all black, with a bald crimson head and a pinkish invoice. The identify derives from their unfastened resemblance to a Wild Turkey.

Turkey Vultures use their extremely developed sense of odor to find carrion. Their sense of odor is so delicate that they’ll detect useless meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. These birds desire to eat contemporary meals, they usually attempt to get to animals as shortly as potential after their loss of life.

Turkey Vulture Vary Map

These birds are darkish, they usually soak up warmth simply. To chill themselves off, they defecate on their legs to chill the blood and assist them reasonable their physique temperature. Let’s collectively say “Ewww” and transfer on!

When these raptors are frightened, they are often so filled with meat that they can not quickly fly away. On this case, you may even see them projectile vomit what they’ve eaten to drop pounds and escape. If they aim the predator’s face, the fabric will be blinding.

#28. Black Vulture

• Size: 22 – 29 in / 56 – 74 cm
• Weight: 3.5 – 6.5 lbs / 1.6-3 kg
• Wingspan: 51 – 66 in / 1.3 – 1.7 m

Black Vultures primarily eat carrion, however not like most different vultures, they’re identified to kill animals to feed on contemporary meat. It’s not unusual for them to prey on residing skunks, opossums, and livestock, corresponding to child pigs, calves, and lambs.

Black Vultures are monogamous and can stick with their mate for a few years. The loyal pair are glorious mother and father and can defend their nest, eggs, and younger vigorously. Apparently, these vultures construct their nests on the bottom in stumps, caves, thickets, brush piles, or hole bushes. No nesting materials is used both!

Black Vulture Vary Map

Search for Black Vultures in Arizona in each forested and open areas. They like to roost and nest in dense forests however forage for meals alongside roads, fields, and different open areas. Black Vultures are generally seen hanging round Turkey Vultures, and it’s not as a result of they’re greatest mates.

Between the 2 species, Turkey Vultures have a MUCH higher sense of odor. Black Vultures use this truth to their benefit and observe Turkey Vultures to a carcass. Typically, the extra aggressive Black Vultures will ward off their vulture cousins to have the meals all to themselves. I’m wondering if Turkey Vultures ever really feel used? 🙂

#29. Crested Caracara

• Size: 20–26 in / 50–65 cm

• Wingspan: 47–52 in / 120–132 cm

Crested Caracaras are extremely distinctive. Whereas they’re technically falcons, most individuals suppose they appear like hawks. However to make issues extra complicated, they act like vultures, as their major meals supply is carrion. Consequently, they’re typically seen scavenging on carcasses subsequent to vultures.

As if you’re not already confused about Crested Caracaras, probably the greatest locations to seek out these birds of prey in Arizona is ON THE GROUND, as they spend lots of time right here strolling round. It’s additionally pretty frequent for these falcons to run down dwell prey, which incorporates reptiles, bugs, and small mammals.

Crested Caracaras will not be that frequent in North America and are seen extra typically in Mexico and South America. However if you happen to come throughout one, there isn’t any different chicken that appears comparable!

#30. California Condor

• Peak: 36-42 in / 91-107 cm

• Weight: 17-25 lbs / 80-165 g

• Wingspan: 114 in / 290 cm

California Condors have the LARGEST wingspan of any raptor present in Arizona, stretching over 9 ft from tip to tip.

One of many rarest species of birds on the planet, the California Condor went extinct within the wild in 1987 when all the remaining birds had been captured. These birds had been then raised and bred in secure environments with the hope of releasing the offspring again into the wild.