Raptors

Local raptors include osprey, eagles, falcons, hawks, barn owls, and typical owls.

Osprey

Osprey

(Pandion haliaetus) Length: 20"-25"; Wingspan: 59"-67"

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) ♀ - © Ken Czworka

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) ♂ - © Ken Czworka

Eagles

Bald Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - ENDANGERED

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - © David Malak

Golden Eagle

(Aquila chrysaetos)

Falcons

American Kestrel

(Falco sparverius)

Perigrine Falcon

(Falco mexicanus)

Merlin

(Falco columbarius)
Small and fierce falcon. Dark above and paler below, with streaking on the underparts; darkness of plumage varies geographically. Feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Found in a variety of habitats from grasslands, open forests, and especially coastal areas with shorebirds. In flight, note powerful flight, pointed wings, and quick, continuous wingbeats.

Merlin (Falco columbarius) - © Ken Czworka

Hawks

For the article on hawks, click here.

Owls

For the article on owls, click here.