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Birds of Prey: Eagles, Hawks, Owls and More
Carnivorous birds that hunt with sharp talons and hooked bills are birds of prey, a classification that includes falcons, eagles, hawks, owls and other types of powerful birds. Vultures and condors, though primarily scavengers, are also included as birds of prey. These profiles provide detailed information about popular birds of prey, including physical descriptions, behavior, habitat preferences and ranges, conservation measures and tips for seeing raptors in the field.
Types of Birds of Prey
From size to wing shape to feeding habits, birds of prey are diverse and understanding the differences between the different species classifications can help birders more quickly identify the raptors they see.
American Kestrel
Detailed bird profile of the American kestrel: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting American kestrels to your backyard.
Bald Eagle
Detailed bird profile of the bald eagle: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Barn Owl
Detailed bird profile of the barn owl: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting barn owls to your backyard.
Barred Owl
Known by many names, the barred owl is often called the swamp owl, the eight hooter and the striped owl. Those names indicate the bird's habitat, vocalization and plumage, but there is much more to these attractive owls.
Boreal Owl
Detailed bird profile of the boreal owl: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting boreal owls to your backyard.
Black Vulture
The black vulture is the most common vulture in the Western Hemisphere, and they're easily identified by their dark plumage and carrion diet. Learn more about black vultures!
Broad-Winged Hawk
Detailed bird profile of the broad-winged hawk: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes conservation history and tips for broad-winged hawks.
California Condor
Detailed bird profile of the California condor: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes conservation information for these endangered raptors.
Cooper's Hawk
Detailed bird profile of the Cooper's hawk: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting Cooper's hawks to your backyard as well as how to protect backyard birds from hawks.
Golden Eagle
Detailed bird profile of the golden eagle: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for where to spot golden eagles.
Great Horned Owl
Detailed bird profile of the great horned owl: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for either attracting or discouraging great horned owls in your backyard.
Osprey
Detailed bird profile of the osprey: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for providing suitable osprey habitat.
Peregrine Falcon
Detailed bird profile of the peregrine falcon: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Detailed bird profile of the red-tailed hawk: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Detailed bird profile of the sharp-shinned hawk: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting these hawks to your backyard.
Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is one of the most recognizable owl species, and its brilliant plumage and hardy nature have fascinated birders for centuries.
Turkey Vulture
Detailed bird profile of the turkey vulture: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.