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24 Birds of Prey in Washington: From Eagles to Owls

Birds of prey have long fascinated and captivated human beings with their majestic beauty, powerful flight, and predatory nature.

In the state of Washington, a diverse range of bird species can be found, showcasing spectacular adaptations that enable them to survive and thrive in different ecosystems.

From the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range to the sprawling coniferous forests and coastal shorelines, Washington offers a haven for various birds of prey, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

In this introduction, we will explore the fascinating world of birds of prey in Washington, highlighting some of the iconic species that call this region home and the unique attributes that make them such formidable hunters.

1. Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawk

The red-tailed hawk is a type of bird known as a bird of prey. It is found in many different parts of North America. It breeds in a wide range of locations, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada down to Panama and the West Indies.

This means that you can find red-tailed hawks in many different places throughout North America. The red-tailed hawk belongs to a group of birds called the genus Buteo. This genus includes many different species of hawks.

However, the red-tailed hawk is one of the most common members of this group, both in North America and worldwide.

This means that you are likely to come across a red-tailed hawk more often than other types of hawks within the Buteo genus. The red-tailed hawk is known for its distinctive red tail, which is where it gets its name from.

This feature helps to distinguish it from other types of hawks. However, it is important to note that not all red-tailed hawks have red tails.

Juvenile red-tailed hawks have brown tails, which only turn red as they mature. Red-tailed hawks are known for their impressive hunting skills. As birds of prey, they primarily.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Clade Dinosauria
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. jamaicensis

2. Bald Eagle

Bald eagle

The bald eagle is a type of bird that lives in North America. It is considered a bird of prey, which means it hunts and feeds on other animals. This majestic bird is also known as a sea eagle. There are two known subspecies of the bald eagle.

Subspecies are variations of a species that have slightly different characteristics but can still interbreed. These subspecies of the bald eagle might have some differences in appearance or behavior. The bald eagle is closely related to another bird called the white-tailed eagle.

These two birds form a species pair, which means they are similar and occupy similar ecological niches.

The white-tailed eagle is found in the Palearctic region, which includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. Occupying the same niche means that both the bald eagle and the white-tailed eagle have similar roles in their respective ecosystems.

They both have adaptations that help them survive and thrive in their environments.

They might compete for similar food sources or have similar hunting strategies. In the Palearctic region, where the white-tailed eagle is found, it fulfills a similar ecological role as the bald eagle does in North America.

This means that both species have evolved to fill a specific niche or role in their habitats.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Haliaeetus
Species H. leucocephalus

3. Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned hawk

The sharp-shinned hawk, also known as a sharpie, is a small type of hawk. The males of this species are the smallest hawks found in both the United States and Canada.

However, it’s worth noting that the sharp-shinned hawk is still larger than certain Neotropical species, such as the tiny hawk. This particular species of hawk is commonly referred to as a sharpie due to its sharp features and small size.

Although it is small in comparison to other hawks, it is important to understand that it is still larger than certain types of hawks found in the Neotropics, which is a region of the Americas encompassing Central and South America.

The sharp-shinned hawk’s size is noteworthy because it is the smallest hawk species found in both the United States and Canada.

This means that when compared to other hawks that inhabit these regions, the sharp-shinned hawk stands out for its diminutive size.

Furthermore, it is interesting to consider that despite being small in the context of North American hawks, the sharp-shinned hawk is still larger on average than some Neotropical species, such as the tiny hawk.

This suggests that while the sharp-shinned hawk may be small relative to.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Accipiter
Species A. striatus

4. Osprey

Osprey

The osprey is a type of bird that is also known by different names such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It is a bird of prey that hunts and eats fish, and it is active during the daytime, which means it is diurnal.

The osprey can be found in various parts of the world, as it has a cosmopolitan range. In terms of size, the osprey is considered to be a large bird. It can grow to be more than 60 cm long, and its wingspan can reach up to 180 cm.

This makes it quite impressive when it takes flight and soars through the sky. In terms of appearance, the osprey has distinct coloring. The upper parts of its body are brown, which helps it blend in with its surroundings when perched on trees or other structures.

However, its head and underparts are predominantly greyish. This coloring may provide some camouflage when the osprey is near bodies of water, where it hunts for fish. Overall, the osprey is a fascinating bird with unique characteristics.

Its ability to hunt fish, its large size, and its distinct coloring make it a remarkable species to observe in its natural habitat.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Pandionidae
Genus Pandion
Species P. haliaetus

5. Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcon

The peregrine falcon is a type of bird of prey that is found all around the world. It is also sometimes called the peregrine or the duck hawk in North America. The peregrine falcon belongs to the Falconidae family. One characteristic of the peregrine falcon is its size.

It is quite large, similar to the size of a crow. This falcon has a blue-grey color on its back, with white underparts that are marked with bars. Its head is black. The peregrine falcon is particularly famous for its speed.

It is known to be one of the fastest birds in the world. This falcon can fly at incredibly high speeds when it is hunting for its prey. Its swift flying ability is truly remarkable. Being a bird of prey, the peregrine falcon hunts and feeds on other animals.

It primarily preys on birds, catching them mid-air during flight. This falcon has sharp talons that help it catch and hold onto its prey.

Its hunting technique is both impressive and efficient. The peregrine falcon is a cosmopolitan bird, meaning it can be found in various parts of the world. It.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. peregrinus

6. Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper's hawk

The Cooper’s hawk is a type of hawk that can be found in North America. It is considered to be a medium-sized bird.

This species is native to the continent and is commonly found in various regions ranging from southern Canada down to Mexico. One interesting characteristic of the Cooper’s hawk is its size.

It falls into the category of medium-sized hawks, which means it is neither too big nor too small. This size allows the hawk to adapt and survive in different habitats across North America. The distribution of the Cooper’s hawk is quite extensive.

It can be found in different parts of North America, including southern Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

This wide range of habitats gives the hawk ample opportunities to thrive and establish its presence in various ecosystems. Despite its widespread distribution, the Cooper’s hawk is not evenly distributed throughout its range.

It tends to be more common in certain areas while being less abundant in others. This variation in population density might be influenced by factors such as the availability of prey, nesting sites, and overall habitat suitability. The Cooper’s hawk is known for its hunting skills.

It primarily feeds on small to medium-sized birds, which it catches by surprise using its speed and agility. This hawk is well-adapted.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Accipiter
Species A. cooperii

7. American Kestrel

American kestrel

The American kestrel is a type of falcon that can also be known as the sparrow hawk. It is found in North America and is the smallest and most common falcon in the region. The size of the American kestrel can vary depending on the subspecies and the sex of the bird.

Generally, there is a two-to-one range in size between different individuals. When it comes to size, the American kestrel can range from being as small as a blue jay to as large as a mourning dove.

This means that some individuals can weigh as much as a blue jay, while others can be as heavy as a mourning dove. The variation in size within the American kestrel population can be attributed to differences in subspecies and also between males and females.

This means that females may generally be larger than males, and different subspecies may have different average sizes. It is interesting to note that despite this size variation, the American kestrel remains the smallest falcon in North America.

This indicates that even the largest individuals of this species are still relatively small compared to other falcons found in the region. In conclusion, the American kestrel, is also known as the sparrow.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. sparverius

8. Rough-legged Buzzard

Rough-legged Buzzard

The rough-legged buzzard, also known as the rough-legged hawk, is a bird of prey that is medium-large in size. It can be found in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Russia. During the breeding season, these buzzards make their home in these regions.

However, when winter arrives, they migrate south. These birds are well-suited to survive in the harsh Arctic and Subarctic climates. They have adapted to the cold weather and snowy landscapes of these regions.

The rough-legged buzzard has several physical characteristics that help it thrive in these environments. One of the distinctive features of the rough-legged buzzard is its feathered legs.

These feathers extend down to its feet, providing insulation against the cold temperatures.

This adaptation allows the bird to maintain its body heat and prevents frostbite. The rough-legged buzzard also has a large wingspan, which helps it soar through the air effortlessly. This enables the bird to cover long distances during migration and efficiently search for prey.

Their wings are broad and rounded, making them well-suited for gliding and hovering. When it comes to hunting, the rough-legged buzzard primarily feeds on small mammals, such as rodents. It has.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. lagopus

9. Owl

Owl

Owls are a type of bird, and they belong to the order Strigiformes. This order includes more than 200 species of birds. Most owls are solitary, meaning they prefer to live alone.

They are also nocturnal, which means they are active during the night. One characteristic of owls is their upright stance. Unlike other birds that often perch horizontally, owls tend to stand vertically.

This upright posture helps them have a better view of their surroundings. Owls have a large and broad head. This feature allows them to have a big brain and excellent eyesight. Their eyes are positioned in the front of their face, which gives them binocular vision.

This means they can see things with depth perception, similar to humans. In addition to their eyesight, owls also have binaural hearing. This means they can hear sounds from both ears independently. Their ears are located on the sides of their head and are asymmetrical.

This allows them to locate the source of sounds accurately. Owls are known for their sharp talons, which are their claws. These talons are used for catching and grasping their prey. Owls have a strong grip, allowing them to hold onto their prey tightly.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Clade Telluraves
Order Strigiformes

10. Great horned owl

Great horned owl

The great horned owl is a species of owl found in the Americas. It is also known by other names such as the tiger owl and the hoot owl.

This owl is known for its adaptability and can be found in various habitats across its wide range. Being a large owl, the great horned owl has a distinct appearance. It has prominent ear tufts on its head, which give it a horned appearance.

This characteristic distinguishes it from other owl species. One of the remarkable traits of the great horned owl is its adaptability. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, deserts, mountains, and even urban areas.

This versatility allows the owl to thrive in diverse environments and makes it the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. The great horned owl is a skilled hunter, preying on a variety of animals. Its diet includes small mammals like rabbits, mice, and rats.

Additionally, it feeds on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even other owls. This owl species has excellent hunting abilities. It possesses sharp talons and a powerful beak, which it uses to catch and kill its prey.

Its wings are designed for silent flight, allowing it to approach.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Bubo
Species B. virginianus

11. Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous hawk

The paragraph introduces the ferruginous hawk, which is a type of large bird of prey. It is classified within the broad-winged buteo hawks group.

In the past, it was commonly referred to as the ferrugineous rough-leg because it resembled the rough-legged hawk, which is closely related to it.

The term “buteo” is the generic name given to this hawk, and it originates from the Latin word for “buzzard.” This suggests that the hawk may share some characteristics or behaviors with buzzards.

The Latin word “regalis” is used as the specific epithet for the ferruginous hawk, meaning “royal.” This term might have been chosen to emphasize its majestic appearance or regal qualities.

Overall, the paragraph provides information about the ferruginous hawk’s classification, its colloquial name, and the meanings behind its generic and specific names.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. regalis

12. Swainson’s Hawk

Swainson's Hawk

Swainson’s hawk is a type of bird that belongs to the Accipitriformes order. This means that it is classified along with other hawks, eagles, and vultures.

It is a relatively large bird species, known for its impressive size and strength. The name “Swainson’s hawk” comes from William Swainson, a British naturalist who played a significant role in studying and documenting various species of birds.

He was particularly interested in birds of prey, and this hawk species was named after him to honor his contributions to the field of ornithology.

In addition to its scientific name, Swainson’s hawk is also known by a couple of colloquial names – the grasshopper hawk and the locust hawk.

These names reflect the hawk’s feeding habits and preferences. The bird is especially fond of a type of insect called Acrididae, which includes grasshoppers and locusts. When given the opportunity, Swainson’s hawks will voraciously eat these insects.

This means that they will consume them eagerly and in large quantities. This behavior is likely because Acrididae insects are abundant in the hawk’s natural habitat, providing a readily.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. swainsoni

13. Merlin

Merlin

The merlin is a type of falcon that can be found in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is known for its small size compared to other falcon species.

The merlin has several subspecies that exist in different regions of North America and Eurasia. These falcons are widely distributed across their habitat range and can be found in diverse environments. They can be seen in forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.

The ability of the merlin to adapt to various habitats contributes to its widespread presence. In North America, the merlin has different subspecies that are found in distinct regions.

For example, there is the prairie merlin, which is primarily found in the central grasslands of the continent. On the other hand, the taiga merlin inhabits the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska.In Eurasia, the merlin also has varied subspecies.

They can be found in different countries such as Russia, Norway, and Sweden, among others. Each subspecies may have specific adaptations and characteristics that suit their particular environment. The Merlin falcon is known for its agility and speed.

It is a skilled hunter, capable of catching swift-flying prey such as small birds and insects.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. columbarius

14. Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-Shouldered Hawk

The red-shouldered hawk is a type of bird known as a medium-sized buteo. It can be found in various parts of North America, specifically in the eastern region, along the California coast, and in northern to northeastern-central Mexico.

This bird species is not a migratory one, as it is a permanent resident in most of its range. It chooses to stay in these areas year-round. However, there are some red-shouldered hawks in the northern parts of its range that do migrate.

They typically travel to central Mexico during their migration. The red-shouldered hawk is often seen in forests and woodlands, where it builds its nests and hunts for food. It prefers these types of habitats due to the availability of prey and suitable nesting sites.

These hawks have adapted to living in these environments and have become well-suited to their surroundings. As a medium-sized buteo, the red-shouldered hawk has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other birds.

Its size is not too large nor too small, making it a medium-sized bird. This allows it to have a good balance between agility and strength, which aids in its hunting and survival. One notable feature of the red-shouldered hawk is its red.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. lineatus

15. Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawk

The Eurasian goshawk is a bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family. This family includes other diurnal raptors like eagles, buzzards, and harriers.

The goshawk is classified as a medium-large bird, which means it is not too small or too big. Being a member of the genus Accipiter, the goshawk is often referred to as a “true hawk.”

This classification distinguishes it from other types of hawks that may have different characteristics or behaviors. As a diurnal bird of prey, the goshawk is active during the day, unlike nocturnal birds that hunt at night.

This means the goshawk relies on its keen eyesight and powerful talons to catch its prey during daylight hours. The goshawk can be found in Eurasia, which is a vast region encompassing Europe and Asia.

It inhabits various types of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and open areas. This adaptability allows the goshawk to thrive in different environments and find suitable prey. In terms of appearance, the goshawk has a distinctive look.

It has a robust body, broad wings, and a long tail. These physical traits enable.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Accipiter
Species A. gentilis

16. Falcons and Caracaras

Falcons and Caracaras

The family Falconidae consists of approximately 65 different species of diurnal birds of prey. These birds are commonly known as falcons and caracaras. Falcons and caracaras are both classified as diurnal birds of prey, meaning they are active during the daytime.

They possess keen eyesight and impressive flying abilities, which allow them to hunt and catch their prey efficiently. These birds are known for their predatory nature and their ability to catch and kill their prey in mid-air.

Falcons, in particular, are renowned for their incredible speed and agility during flight. They are capable of reaching high speeds while diving and can make swift turns and maneuvers to catch their prey.

Caracaras, on the other hand, are slightly different from falcons in terms of physical characteristics and behavior. They are generally larger and have a more robust body compared to falcons.

Caracaras are known for their opportunistic feeding habits and are often seen scavenging for food. They are also known to steal food from other birds or even harass them until they drop their prey.

The family Falconidae is found in various parts of the world, with some species being more widespread than others. They inhabit diverse habitats such as forests, and grass.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae

17. Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

The short-eared owl is a type of owl that can be found in many grasslands around the world. It belongs to the family Strigidae, which is a group of birds that includes various species of owls.

Now, within the family Strigidae, there is a specific group of owls called the eared owls. The eared owls are known for having tufts of feathers on their heads that resemble mammalian ears.

These tufts are often referred to as “ear” tufts because they look like ears, although they are not ears. It’s important to note that not all eared owls necessarily have visible ear tufts.

Some eared owls may have ear tufts that are easily seen, while others may have tufts that are more hidden or not visible at all. This variation in visibility of the ear tufts is observed among different species within the eared owl genus, which is called Asio.

In summary, the short-eared owl is a widespread grassland species that belongs to the eared owl genus, Asio. Eared owls are known for having tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears, although these tufts may or may not.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Asio
Species A. flammeus

18. Barn Owl

Barn owl

The barn owl is a type of owl that can be found in many different parts of the world. It is the most widely distributed species of owl globally. It is one of the most widespread species of birds overall.

Barn owls can be found in almost every region of the world, with a few exceptions. They are not typically found in polar regions or desert areas. These types of environments do not provide the necessary resources and conditions for the barn owl to thrive.

Additionally, barn owls are not commonly seen in certain parts of Asia, specifically the areas north of the Himalayas. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the availability of suitable prey or nesting sites. Some islands in Indonesia are also not home to barn owls.

It is unclear why these particular islands do not have barn owls, but it could be due to a combination of geographical, ecological, or historical factors. Furthermore, there are specific Pacific Islands where barn owls are not present.

These islands may lack the necessary resources or habitats for barn owls to survive and reproduce successfully. Overall, the barn owl has a wide distribution and can be found in many parts of the world. However.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Tytonidae
Genus Tyto
Species T. alba

19. Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl is a type of owl that is also known as the shoco. It is a small owl with long legs. These owls can be found in many different places in North and South America. They are often seen in open landscapes. Burrowing owls can be found in a variety of environments.

They are commonly found in grasslands and rangelands. These are areas where there is a lot of grass or vegetation. They are also frequently seen in agricultural areas, which are places where crops are grown. These owls are well adapted to living in dry areas.

They can be found in deserts, which are very dry and have low vegetation. They are also able to survive in other open and dry areas with minimal vegetation. One reason why burrowing owls can live in these environments is because they can burrow into the ground.

They create their burrows, or they may use burrows that have been abandoned by other animals. These burrows provide shelter and protection for the owls. The burrowing owl’s diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as mice and rats.

They are also known to eat insects and small birds.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Athene
Species A. cunicularia

20. Snowy Owl

Snowy owl

The snowy owl is a type of owl that is also known by other names such as the polar owl, the white owl, and the Arctic owl. It belongs to the true owl family and is characterized by its large size and white feathers.

These owls can be found in both North America and the Palearctic regions, specifically in the Arctic areas. Snowy owls are well adapted to their harsh Arctic environments.

They have evolved to blend in with the snowy landscapes, which helps them remain camouflaged and hidden from predators.

Their white feathers act as a protective cover, allowing them to hunt and survive in their habitat. One interesting fact about snowy owls is that they are predominantly found in the tundra regions.

The tundra is a cold and treeless biome that is characterized by low temperatures and short summers. This environment provides ideal conditions for the snowy owl’s breeding. During the breeding season, snowy owls build their nests on the ground.

They use the tundra’s vegetation and materials like feathers and moss to construct their nests. This nesting behavior is unique among owls, as most other owl species prefer to nest in trees.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Bubo
Species B. scandiacus

21. Northern saw-whet Owl

Northern saw-whet Owl

The northern saw-whet owl belongs to the family Strigidae and is a small species of owl. It is originally from North America. This type of owl is part of the genus Aegolius and is known for being one of the smallest owl species in North America.

They are commonly found in dense thickets, where they tend to stay at eye level, making them easier to spot. However, they can also be observed perched up to about 20 feet above the ground.

The northern saw-whet owl is well-adapted to its habitat, which includes forests and woodlands. They have excellent camouflage skills, blending in with the surrounding trees and vegetation.

These owls are mainly active during the night, using their keen eyesight and hearing to hunt for prey. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, such as mice and voles. Despite their small size, saw-whet owls have a distinctive call.

Their vocalizations are often described as a repetitive, high-pitched tooting sound, similar to the noise made by a saw being sharpened. Breeding season for these owls typically occurs during the spring. The female lays a clutch of eggs in a tree cavity or abandoned.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Aegolius
Species A. acadicus

22. Prairie Falcon

Prairie Falcon

The prairie falcon is a type of falcon found in western North America. It is not too small or too big, but rather a medium-large sized bird. Its size can be compared to that of a peregrine falcon or a crow. In terms of length, the average prairie falcon measures around 40 cm.

This measurement gives us an idea of how long their bodies are from head to tail.

It’s not a huge bird, but not tiny either. When it comes to the wingspan, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are fully extended, the prairie falcon has an approximate wingspan of 1 meter.

This means that its wings can stretch out to a length of about 1 meter, giving it a good amount of wing surface for flying. In regards to weight, the average prairie falcon weighs around 720 g. This is the mass of the bird, or how heavy it is.

It’s not an overly heavy bird, but it’s not extremely light either. This weight allows it to fly gracefully and maneuver in the air. One interesting characteristic about prairie falcons, and falcons in general, is that the females are noticeable.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. mexicanus

Conclusion

Birds of prey in Washington play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. They act as top predators, controlling populations of small mammals and birds, thus preventing overpopulation and preserving biodiversity.

Washington’s diverse landscape provides the perfect environment for these raptors to thrive, with a wide variety of prey species and suitable nesting sites.

However, some bird of prey species are facing threats such as habitat loss, pollution, illegal hunting, and collisions with human structures.

Conservation efforts that focus on preserving their habitats, regulating pesticide and hunting practices, and raising awareness about their ecological importance are crucial for ensuring the survival of birds of prey in Washington.

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