40 Birds of Prey Discovered within the USA! (2023)

OWLS

#12. 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 the US.

Actually, these raptors can really be discovered virtually wherever 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 fowl that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.

Nice Horned Owl Vary Map

These owls are giant and look fierce! To determine 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 need 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 night time. I don’t suppose there’s one other owl species that does hooting higher than a Nice Horned Owl!

#13. Barred Owl

• Size: 16–25 in (40–63 cm)
• Weight: 1–2.75 lbs (500–1250 g)
• Wingspan: 38–49 in (96–125 cm)

Barred Owls are a typical raptor present in the US. The identify “barred” derives from the horizontal stripes of alternating mild brown and darkish brown on the wings, again, and tail.

Barred Owls are the kind of owl I’ve noticed probably the most within the wild. They’re inquisitive and can typically keep and watch as you stroll previous them. Even when they get nervous as you strategy, they sometimes fly off to a different close by tree to proceed observing.

Barred Owl Vary Map

Barred Owls depend on mice and different small rodents however eat virtually something made from meat! They’ll readily seize rats, rabbits, bats, squirrels, moles, minks, weasels, opossums, a wide range of birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and turtles, and can even hunt round your nightly campfire to catch some candy, juicy bugs.

And talking of classical noises, their hoots are the traditional sounds featured in motion pictures and scary Halloween tales. It’s straightforward to acknowledge their name because it feels like they’re asking, “Who cooks for you.” Barred Owls will hold forth throughout daylight, too, and so they mate for all times.

#14. 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 also called 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 the US!

As you may 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 appear to be they’ve a shocked look on their face.

Lengthy-eared Owl Vary Map

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

Since Lengthy-eared Owls might be extremely onerous to see, the easiest way to find them is to pay attention! In the course of the mating season, males are fairly talkative. Their typical name is repeated wherever from 10 to 200 instances and feels like a low “hoo,” evenly spaced each few seconds.

#15. Japanese Screech-Owl

• Size: 6.3– 9.8 in (16–25 cm)
• Weight: 4.2–8.6 oz. (120–244 g)
• Wingspan: 18–24 in (46–61 cm)

Screech-owls might remind you {of professional} wrestlers since they’re brief, stocky, and haven’t any necks!

These owls can both be gray or crimson, with a few third of all people being crimson.  

These small raptors are present in wooded areas in the US. They don’t appear to thoughts folks an excessive amount of as they’re snug nesting on high of streetlamps, subsequent to busy roadways/highways, or inside areas in populated buildings.

Japanese Screech-owl Vary Map

Japanese Screech-owls make a wide range of hoots, calls, and songs, however their hottest is an even-pitched trill, typically known as a tremolo. The tremolo is utilized by pairs to maintain in touch with one another and lasts between 3 to six seconds. I feel this tremolo name sounds rather a lot like mating toads, and I generally get the 2 confused!

#16. 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 have been considered the identical fowl because the Japanese Screech-owl, however analysis has decided that they’re two distinct species.

Western Screech-owls might 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 fowl of prey within the western United States.

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, similar to crayfish, bugs, earthworms, and slugs.

Western Screech-owl calls are usually not “screechy,” because the identify suggests. The most typical sound is a fairly quiet, nice trill (“hoo-hoo-hoo” or “cr-r-oo-oo-oo”), which hastens on the finish however maintains a relentless pitch.

#17. Snowy Owl

• Size: 20.7–25.2 inches (52.5–64 cm)
• Weight: 3.2–4 lb. (1,465–1,800 gram)
• Wingspan: 48–60 inches (1.2–1.5 meters)

Snowy Owls get my vote for probably the most lovely raptor in the US!

Their gorgeous white plumage stops virtually everybody of their tracks, each birders and non-birders alike! Snowy Owls are largely white, however they do have horizontal darkish strains throughout their our bodies besides the face and breast. Apparently, people appear to get whiter with age.

Snowy Owl Vary Map

Snowy Owls migrate with the altering seasons. In the course of the summer time, they mate and breed in arctic tundra. However when the winter arrives, these birds come south.

You by no means understand how far south Snowy Owls will journey. Most winters, Snowy Owls solely seem as far down because the northern USA. However some years, there may be an “irruption” of Snowy Owls, and plenty of extra birds than regular migrate south.

When defending their territory or trying to find a mate, males make a loud “hoo, hoo.” This hoot is so loud that it may be heard as much as 7 miles away on the tundra! Females not often hoot, however different noises (for each sexes) embrace cackles, shrieks, hissing, and invoice snapping.

#18. Nice Grey Owl

• Size: 24 – 33 in (61–84 cm)
• Weight: 1.5 – 4 lb (580–1,900 g)
• Wingspan: 5 ft (1.5 m)

Nice Grey Owls are the most important owl in the US!

Should you’re fortunate sufficient to see one, they’re gorgeous raptors. Many individuals suppose they seem like they’re sporting a gray go well with with a bowtie round its neck!

These owls cowl a number of territory of their vary, however they like to reside in a forest close to a clearing. It’s instrumental within the wintertime, as they want a number of space for listening to rodents operating beneath the snow to allow them to crash by and catch lunch! As a result of they’re so massive, they require a number of meals, consuming as much as 7 rodents each day.

Nice Grey Owl Vary Map

Gray Grey Owls NEVER construct nests. They simply use those that different massive birds made. Speak about being environment friendly! Nevertheless, as soon as they declare a used nest, these owls will defend it courageously, even towards black bears!

Their name in all fairness distinctive, daring, and deep, sounding like “whooooo, woo, woo, woo.“ In addition they have a gentle double hoot used when offering meals to their infants or defending a territory.

#19. 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 will find small animals beneath dense brush or snow with ease, and so they even hunt bats!

Barn Owl Vary Map

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

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

#20. 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)

Not like different birds of prey that spend their time in bushes, Burrowing Owls reside underground!

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

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

Burrowing Owl Vary Map

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

#21. 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 likely one of the smallest raptors in the US, and they’re cute as a button. Northern Noticed-whet Owls are sometimes coloured in pale browns and tans.

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

Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map

Northern Noticed-whet Owls desire dense coniferous or blended 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 commonest name occurs through the breeding season. It feels like a “too-too-too” emitted at about two notes per second.

#22. 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) fowl. 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 pinnacle to dissuade assaults from behind.

These birds of prey usually desire open coniferous forests or blended forests in the US at greater altitudes, primarily pine with just a few deciduous bushes.

Northern Pygmy-Owl Vary Map

The fowl’s name is fairly plain. It sounds rather a lot 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’s going to tackle birds which might be greater than twice its measurement. Consider it or not, it has even been recognized to feast on chickens!

#23. Flammulated Owl

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

A fowl is named “flammulated” when it has flame-shaped markings. Wanting intently on the Flammulated Owl, you may see the place it will get its identify. The feathering seems like an ash-covered log in a campfire the place flecks of ember present by.

It’s a phenomenal coloration, however it additionally makes this small raptor notably onerous to identify within the western United States.

Flammulated Owl Vary Map

Flammulated Owls reside on the high of the forest, particularly in coniferous forests. They will even nest in deciduous forests so long as there are some conifers as a part of the combination.

Due to their small measurement, Flammulated Owls hunt virtually solely 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 feels like a a lot bigger fowl. Folks seldom see these owls, however you may hear their unusually deep name from among the many treetops.

#24. 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 attributable to habitat loss and competitors with Barred Owls. These threatened birds of prey solely reside in mature forests within the western United States.

So when the big bushes that these owls desire are lower down, the habitat can’t get replaced for doubtlessly 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 most typical sound {that a} Noticed Owl makes is a collection of four-note gentle hoots. This name is given by each sexes and used to defend and mark their territory, though it may also be heard when males ship meals to females.

#25. Boreal Owl

• Size: 9–10.5 inches (22–27 cm) lengthy
• Weight: 3.2–7 oz. (90-200 g)
• Wingspan: 20–24 inches (50–62 cm)

The Boreal Owl is an extremely small raptor present in the US.

They are often tough to determine as a result of they’ve a wide range of colours (from reddish-brown to grey) and patterns. They will possess both dots or streaks and generally each on the highest or backside of the physique.

Boreal Owl Vary Map

Boreal Owls reside within the boreal forests and might be seen in stands of aspen, poplar, spruce, fir, and birch bushes. Due to their distant areas, these owls are comparatively unusual and onerous to check and see, and little is thought about their inhabitants traits.

Since Boreal Owls are small, voles, bats, frogs, beetles, birds, and child squirrels are their major meals.

Their name is a small collection of whistled toots that will get progressively louder. Males sometimes solely hoot through the breeding season to draw a feminine.

#26. Northern Hawk Owl

• Size: 14.2–17.75 inches (36–45 cm)
• Weight: 11–12 oz (300–340 g)
• Wingspan: 31–35 inches (77–89 cm)

Because the identify suggests, Northern Hawk Owls are likely to act extra like hawks than owls! These owls sit solitary in tall bushes and hunt through the day, that are uncommon traits in owls.

Northern Hawk Owl Vary Map

These birds of prey are discovered within the boreal forests of North America.

Northern Hawk Owls generally feed on voles since they are often eaten entire and are usually plentiful. In addition they will eat child hares, crimson squirrels, mice, rats, and lemmings.

Males make a rolling, low “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” sound repeated 10 to 200 instances. Females have comparable calls, however it’s shorter and hoarser.

#27. Quick-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 all the time seen. Quick-eared Owls sometimes solely erect them after they need to look intimidating.

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

Quick-eared Owl Vary Map

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

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

FALCONS, EAGLES, & VULTURES

#28. 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 North America 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 change into native celebrities!

Peregrine Falcon Vary Map

Peregrine Falcons have the respect of being the FASTEST animal on the planet!

Don’t be fooled by tales that the cheetah is the quickest creature. Oh certain, they will 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 possibly 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.

#29. 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 the US and is roughly the scale of an American Robin. Don’t let the tiny stature idiot you, although, as a result of these birds of prey are completed hunters.

Actually, you could have heard of a kestrel’s alternate identify, which is the Sparrow Hawk. This identify was given as a result of they may take sparrows and different birds of that measurement 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 peak, in search of bugs, invertebrates, small rodents, and birds. However life might be robust whenever you’re the smallest falcon since they’re generally 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 under to listen to an instance!

#30. 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 openness of the western United States.

Particularly, search for Prairie Falcons in grasslands, shrubby deserts, farm fields, and pastures. If there are too many bushes round, then you definitely most likely received’t discover this lovely fowl of prey!

The Prairie Falcon and Peregrine Falcon look comparable to one another. Actually, these two species diverged from a typical ancestor about 4 million years in the past. Though roughly the identical measurement, the Prairie Falcon is a significantly lighter fowl and requires much less meals in consequence.

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 searching expertise.

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

#31. Bald Eagle

• Size: 28-40 in / 70-102 cm
• Weight: 6.5-15 lbs / 3-7 kg
• Wingspan: 71-91 in / 1.8-2.3 m

The Bald Eagle has been the nationwide image of the US since 1782 and is likely one of the most recognizable birds on this planet!

These giant raptors are actually fairly prevalent in the US, however that wasn’t all the time the case.

Bald Eagles virtually went extinct within the mid-Twentieth century attributable to DDT poisoning. After years of devoted conservation work, they’ve recovered and are a real success story. They are mostly seen round our bodies of water.

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.

Beneath, you may hear what a Bald Eagle feels like. Should you think about an intimidating eagle name, then you definitely could be improper. I feel they sound extra like a gull, with trills and little whistles.

Press PLAY above to listen to a Bald Eagle!

#32. 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 the US.

With that being mentioned, they aren’t 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 possibly can all the time determine a Merlin by its fast wingbeats and since it’s so small.

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

The Merlin is one fowl you don’t need to annoy or make nervous!

Merlin Vary Map

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

#33. 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 professional hunters. The place Bald Eagles largely eat fish, these eagles virtually all the time eat mammals. Their favourite prey embrace rabbits, hares, floor squirrels, marmots, and prairie canine.

However these raptors have been recognized 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 bought their identify. Juvenile birds have white patches on their wings and tails. Immature Bald Eagles and grownup Golden Eagles look comparable and might be simply confused.

The distinguishing function between these two birds is that the Bald Eagle doesn’t thoughts exhibiting a bit 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 the US, similar to landscapes that embrace cliffs, mountains, or hills. You too can spot these birds in grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, arctic tundra, and coniferous woodlands.

Golden Eagle Vary Map

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

#34. 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 a big fowl of prey extremely frequent in the US.

Actually, it’s the most considerable vulture in the whole nation. They’re comparatively straightforward to determine, as they’re all black, with a bald crimson head and a pinkish invoice. The identify derives from their free 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 will detect lifeless meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. These birds desire to eat recent meals, and so they attempt to get to animals as shortly as potential after their demise.

Turkey Vulture Vary Map

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

When these raptors are frightened, they are often so stuffed 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 some pounds and escape. If they aim the predator’s face, the fabric might be blinding.

#35. 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 in contrast to most different vultures, they’re recognized to kill animals to feed on recent meat. It’s not unusual for them to prey on residing skunks, opossums, and livestock, similar 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 dad and mom 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 the US 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 buddies.

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

#36. Gyrfalcon

• Size: 19 – 26 in / 48 – 65 cm
• Weight: 1.75 – 5 lbs. / 794 – 2268 g
• Wingspan: 43 – 63 in / 110 -160 cm