What sorts of birds of prey can you discover in Arizona?
This query is frequent, each for birders and non-birders alike. Raptors are standard animals that are inclined to catch individuals’s curiosity greater than most different species. Fortunately, there are lots of totally different species in all types of habitats.
Right here is how the beneath record is organized. Click on the hyperlink to leap straight to that part!
HAWKS
#1. Pink-tailed Hawk
- Size: 18-26 in / 45-65 cm
- Weight: 1.5-3.5 lbs. / 700-1600 g
- Wingspan: 43-55 in / 110-140 cm
Pink-tailed Hawks are in all probability the kind of hawk that persons are most aware of. These birds of prey are sometimes seen in Arizona on drives within the countryside, both hovering within the sky or perched on a fence publish.
The plumage shade of Pink-tailed Hawks will be something from almost white to nearly black, so coloration is just not a dependable indicator. One of the simplest ways to determine them is by searching for their attribute pink tail. ????
Pink-tailed Hawk Vary Map
These hawks are extremely adaptable, and there’s no actual description of their most popular habitats as a result of they appear to be comfy in all places. I’ve seen Pink-tailed Hawks backpacking within the deep wilderness to city cities to my very own suburban yard! Choose a habitat, corresponding to pastures, parks, deserts, roadsides, rainforests, woodlands, fields, or scrublands, and also you’ll discover them thriving.
Pink-tailed Hawks have spectacular calls which are simply recognized. Hear beneath to those intimidating sounds beneath.
#2. Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Size: 9-13.5 inches / 23-37 cm
- Weight: 3-8 oz / 82-220 g
- Wingspan: 16.5-26.5 inches / 42-68 cm
Sharp-shinned Hawks are one of many smallest birds of prey in Arizona.
They’re extremely athletic and acrobatic. It’s frequent to see these raptors zipping by way of the woods or by your hen feeders in a blur of movement!
To determine these birds, search for bars of orange on their higher chest that fade in the direction of the stomach and blue-gray again and wings. When flying, their wings are comparatively brief and rounded however with an extended tail. Females are significantly larger than males.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Vary Map
These raptors are frequent in forested areas in Arizona. They’re most frequently seen round hen feeders, searching and preying on the songbirds that come to go to. These raptors are ambush predators, sitting patiently after which dashing out from cowl at excessive pace to chase birds, which make up 90% of their food plan.
One technique to confirm you have got seen a Sharp-shinned Hawk is to hear for his or her sounds. People give a high-pitched shrill “kik-kik-kik,” which is often repeated a number of instances.
#3. Cooper’s Hawk
- Size: 13.5-20 in / 35-50 cm
- Weight: 8-24 oz / 220-680 g
- Wingspan: 24.5-35.5 in / 62-90 cm
These massive raptors are generally present in Arizona within the woods or on the sting of fields. Cooper’s Hawks are recognized for his or her flying agility. I see them usually at my home in high-speed chases by way of the cover, going after their prey.
Cooper’s Hawk Vary Map
Due to their unbelievable flying talents, these hawks primarily eat songbirds and are frequent in backyards round hen feeders. At my feeding station, I’ve noticed these hawks preying on Pink-winged Blackbirds, European Starlings, and Mourning Doves.
The commonest sound a Cooper’s Hawk emits is an alarm name that seems like “kuck, kuck, kuc” or “cak-cak-cak.”
Visually, a Cooper’s Hawk seems extremely just like the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Their steely blue-gray look is sort of equivalent to the Sharp-shinned hawk, proper all the way down to the little black cap that each put on and the rufous coloured chest.
The BEST technique to inform these hawks aside is to take a look at the scale distinction. Cooper’s are bigger than Sharp-shinneds. But when they’re airborne, good luck determining which one you might be observing!
#4. Northern Goshawk
- Size: 16-27 in / 41-69 cm
- Weight: 22-50 oz / 630-1400 g
- Wingspan: 35-50 in / 89-127 cm
Northern Goshawks are secretive birds which are arduous to see, as these birds of prey desire residing in massive forests away from civilization. Many individuals mistakenly assume they’ve seen one of their yard when it was only a Cooper’s Hawk, which seems related.
However look intently, and you will notice a dark-colored head that’s normally paired with deep pink eyes, which makes the Northern Goshawk arduous to mistake. The underbody is commonly a bluish-white to mild grey with barring. The higher physique is blue-gray and even brown with sure morphs.
Northern Goshawk Vary Map
These raptors are widespread in Arizona however are arduous to see, particularly within the suburbs and cities. Some particular person birds are short-term migrants throughout colder months, heading south till satisfactory meals will be discovered. Different birds keep in the identical place all 12 months.
Opportunistic and fierce hunters, Northern Goshawks eat all kinds of meals. The record contains bugs, mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Hear for a harsh “ca-ca-ca” sound. Because it calls, they flip their head back and forth slowly, which provides the vocal impact of a ventriloquist.
#5. Northern Harrier
Northern Harriers are one of the crucial distinctive birds of prey you will discover within the USA!
First, most hawks depend on their unbelievable eyesight to search out and seize prey. However Northern Harriers additionally use their listening to to search out meals, just like owls. Even their disc-shaped face resembles an owl. ????
Northern Harrier Vary Map
The perfect locations to discover a Northern Harrier are open grasslands, fields, or marshes. Search for a slim, long-tailed raptor that flies low and has a white rump. Watch an instance beneath!
#6. Broad-winged Hawk
- Size: 13.5-17.5 inches / 34-44 cm
- Weight: 16 oz / 450 g
- Wingspan: 33 inches / 84 cm
The our bodies of Broad-winged Hawks are brief and stocky, which makes them completely tailored to life within the forest. These birds of prey reside in Arizona and are pretty frequent, however they don’t seem to be usually seen as a result of they like spending their time within the deep woods away from people.
Broad-winged Hawk Vary Map
Whereas these raptors spend their summers right here in Arizona, they fly south for the winters to Central America and South America. Broad-winged Hawks are in all probability finest recognized for his or her epic migrations every fall.
It’s estimated that the typical hen travels over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) complete, and that’s simply ONE WAY, they usually have to finish this journey twice per 12 months.
These long-distance flyers usually journey south collectively, hovering on air currents by the hundreds! Getting the prospect to look at a “kettle” of Broad Winged Hawks is genuinely awe-inspiring, as you possibly can see within the video above!
#7. Ferruginous Hawk
- Size: 20-27 in / 51-69 cm
- Weight: 2-5 lbs / 900-2270 g
- Wingspan: 47-60 in / 1.2-1.5 m
Ferruginous Hawks are stunning raptors that reside within the open deserts and prairies of the West. They’re the biggest hawks in North America and have lengthy, broad wings and a large grey, rusty, or white tail.
These birds of prey have two shade varieties it’s possible you’ll observe in Arizona.
- The mild morph birds have a rusty brown (ferruginous) again and pale underparts.
- The darkish morph people are darkish brown and chestnut-colored on each their again, chest, and stomach. Darkish morph birds are a lot rarer to see than mild ones.
Ferruginous Hawk Vary Map
Considerably social, Ferruginous Hawks might roost in teams throughout the winter, which may comprise between 6-12 people. Mated pairs appear to be principally monogamous and are extremely adaptable nesters. For instance, these hawks will use timber, rock outcrops, ledges, haystacks, nest platforms, energy poles, and the bottom for nests.
Their alarm name seems like “kree” or “kaah” and is often given when defending territory or frightened. Some individuals assume it sounds just like a gull.
#8. Swainson’s Hawk
- Size: 18-22 inches / 46-56 cm
- Weight: 24-48 oz / 680-1360 g
- Wingspan: 46-54 inches / 117-137 cm
Swainson’s Hawks are raptors of the west and might usually be noticed hovering or perched on fence posts, phone poles, or timber in open areas.
These birds of prey arrive in Arizona every April and spend their summers breeding and elevating their younger right here. In the direction of the tip of summer time, they start a LONG distance journey to Argentina!
In the event you’re preserving rating, that’s round 6,000 miles (9,600 km) a method and takes as much as two months. And keep in mind, they make this journey twice per 12 months.
Swainson’s Hawk Vary Map
As they’re migrating, Swainson’s Hawks usually type massive “kettles,” the place they be part of with different species, corresponding to Broad-winged Hawks and Turkey Vultures. As they catch wind from the north and rise with the thermals, utilizing them to preserve power, it’s doable to see THOUSANDS of raptors hovering collectively directly, which resembles an precise river of birds.
The decision of the Swainson’s Hawk is a harsh alarm name that seems like “kreeeeer,” which frequently lasts 2-3 seconds.
#9. Tough Legged Hawk
- Size: 18.5-23.5 inches / 46-59 cm
- Weight: 25-49 oz / 715-1400 gm
- Wingspan: 52-54 inches / 132-138 cm
Tough-legged Hawks spend their summers residing and breeding on the Arctic tundra.
You may solely see these massive birds of prey in Arizona throughout the winter after they migrate south.
Not like most hawks, this species has feathers all the best way all the way down to their toes, which helps preserve them heat within the chilly environments they select to reside.
Tough-legged Hawk Vary Map
Search for these chunky, massive raptors in open areas. They’ve a novel searching type the place they hover whereas dealing with the wind, searching for meals. The truth is, they’re one of many few birds of prey that really hovers in place.
Tough-legged Hawks are usually silent, besides they make a mewing sound close to the nest. (Hear beneath!)
#10. Osprey
- Size: 20-25.5 inches / 50-65 cm
- Weight: 3-4.4 lb. / 1.4-2 kg
- Wingspan: 59-71 inches / 150-180 cm
The very first thing it is advisable to learn about Ospreys is they’re NOT hawks! They don’t seem to be eagles both and, scientifically talking, have been given their very own Household (Pandionidae) and Genus (Pandion), separate from all different birds of prey.
Despite the fact that Ospreys aren’t hawks, they definitely look just like one. These raptors have additionally been given nicknames, corresponding to Sea Hawk, River Hawk, and Fish Hawk, which trace on the affiliation between an Osprey and a hawk.
Osprey Vary Map
Once you consider an Osprey, it is best to consider fish as a result of that’s what these birds eat 99% of the time. Due to their specialised food plan, you’ll virtually at all times discover these birds of prey residing, breeding, and elevating their younger round water in Arizona.
Hear for Ospreys subsequent time you might be round a big physique of water. Their alarm name is a collection of brief, high-pitched whistles that descend in pitch. The noise has been in comparison with a teapot taken off a range.
OWLS
#11. Nice Horned Owl
- Size: 17-25 in (43 – 64 cm)
- Weight: 2.5 to 4 lbs (1134 – 1814 g)
- Wingspan: 3 – 5 toes (91-153 cm)
Nice Horned Owls are frequent birds of prey in Arizona.
The truth is, 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 timber and rocky nesting websites obtainable. It’s arduous to discover a hen that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.
Nice Horned Owl Vary Map
These owls are massive and look fierce! To determine them, search for their lengthy tufts of feathers that resemble ears on their head.
Additionally, try their intimidating eyes. I do know I might 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 evening. I don’t assume 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 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 wonderful camouflage, these birds of prey are EXTREMELY arduous to identify in Arizona!
As you possibly can 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 usually seem 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 will be extremely arduous 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 wherever from 10 to 200 instances and seems 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 have been considered the identical hen 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 primary shrubland. They’re a comparatively frequent hen 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 aren’t “screechy,” because the identify suggests. The commonest sound is a somewhat quiet, nice trill (“hoo-hoo-hoo” or “cr-r-oo-oo-oo”), which hurries up 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. Curiously, 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, 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 elements of their vary, farmers love them as a result of they preserve surrounding property pretty rodent-free, defending different animals from the illnesses that mice and rats carry.
They don’t “hoot” within the classical vogue of different owls. Their distinctive screechy sound is much extra paying homage to a red-tailed hawk. When exhibiting 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)
Not like different birds of prey in Arizona that spend their time in timber, Burrowing Owls reside underground!
They both excavate their houses themselves or, fairly ceaselessly, take over underground shelters from squirrels or prairie canines. These underground dens present a variety of house to assemble meals. They’ve been recognized to have tons of of mice in storage in case of a meals scarcity!
Burrowing Owls have comparatively lengthy legs since they spend a variety 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 seems 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 among 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 food plan with small birds, bugs, and invertebrates when vital.
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 timber, 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 throughout the breeding season. It seems 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) hen. 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 typically desire open coniferous forests or combined forests in Arizona at greater altitudes, primarily pine with just a few deciduous timber.
Northern Pygmy-Owl Vary Map
The hen’s name is somewhat 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 strong little raptor. It should tackle birds which are greater than twice its dimension. Imagine it or not, it has even been recognized 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 hen is known as “flammulated” when it has flame-shaped markings. Trying intently on the Flammulated Owl, you possibly can 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 way of.
It’s an attractive coloration, but it surely additionally makes this small raptor significantly arduous to identify in Arizona.
Flammulated Owl Vary Map
Flammulated Owls reside on the high 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 combo.
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 massive windpipe. This adaptation permits them to make a deep base hoot that seems like a a lot bigger hen. Individuals seldom see these owls, however you possibly can 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 as a result of habitat loss and competitors with Barred Owls. These threatened birds of prey solely reside in mature forests in Arizona.
So when the massive timber that these owls desire are minimize down, the habitat can’t get replaced for probably tons of of years.
Noticed Owl Vary Map
Like many different owls, this species doesn’t construct its nests. As an alternative, 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 smooth hoots. This name is given by each sexes and used to defend and mark their territory, though it can 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 usually solely erect them after they need to look intimidating.
Your finest likelihood 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 father or mother will poop on the eggs so the scent will preserve predators away. Like a Kildeer, Brief-eared Owls additionally lure predators away from their nest by hopping away and pretending to be injured.
Brief-eared Owls aren’t significantly vocal. However after they do make noises, these birds have a name, oddly sufficient, that sounds an terrible lot like a cat searching for a mate.
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 massive 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 usually turn out to be native celebrities!
Peregrine Falcon Vary Map
Peregrine Falcons have the distinction of being the FASTEST animal on the planet! Don’t be fooled by tales that the cheetah is the quickest creature. Oh positive, they will crank it as much as 75 mph (120 kph), and that’s superb for being on the bottom.
However when a Peregrine Falcon dives, it could actually attain speeds of as much as 200 mph (320 kph)! And it begins its journey from as excessive as 3,000 toes (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 scale 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 might have heard of a kestrel’s alternate identify, which is the Sparrow Hawk. This identify was given as a result of they’ll take sparrows and different birds of that dimension proper out of the air!
American Kestrel Vary Map
One in all their favourite methods to catch prey is to hover within the breeze from a comparatively low peak, searching for bugs, invertebrates, small rodents, and birds. However life will be powerful 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 normally 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 timber round, then you definitely in all probability gained’t discover this stunning hen of prey!
The Prairie Falcon and Peregrine Falcon look related 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 hen and requires much less meals consequently.
Prairie Falcon Vary Map
Prairie Falcons prefer 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 typically silent, however they’ll 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 principally eat fish! Search for them round marshes, lakes, coasts, and rivers. The BEST areas are forests close to massive our bodies of water that present good fishing AND tall timber for nesting websites.
Under, you possibly can hear what a Bald Eagle seems like. In the event you think about an intimidating eagle name, then you definitely could be mistaken. 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 stated, they don’t seem to be that frequent to watch 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 determine a Merlin by its speedy wingbeats and since it’s so small.
However regardless of its diminutive stature, this falcon is an extremely fierce hen and makes use of shock assaults to deliver down its prey. It’s so daring that it has been seen attacking trains and vehicles that enter its territory.
The Merlin is one hen you don’t need to annoy or make nervous!
Merlin Vary Map
Whereas typically silent, it’s doable to listen to a loud, excessive cackle that seems 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.
#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 principally 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 recognized to hunt and kill animals as massive 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 related and will be simply confused.
The distinguishing characteristic between these two birds is that the Bald Eagle doesn’t thoughts exhibiting somewhat leg, whereas the Golden Eagle has feathers all the way down to the highest of its toes.
These massive birds of prey desire huge open areas in Arizona, corresponding to landscapes that embrace cliffs, mountains, or hills. It’s also possible to spot these birds in grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, arctic tundra, and coniferous woodlands.
Golden Eagle Vary Map
These eagles aren’t extraordinarily noisy, and their calls sound like whistles which are weak and excessive. Identical to Bald Eagles, for such a strong raptor, you’d assume 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 hen of prey in Arizona.
The truth is, it’s the most ample vulture in all the nation. They’re comparatively simple to determine, as they’re all black, with a bald pink head and a pinkish invoice. The identify derives from their unfastened resemblance to a Wild Turkey.
Turkey Vultures use their extremely developed sense of scent to find carrion. Their sense of scent is so delicate that they will detect useless meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. These birds desire to eat contemporary meals, they usually attempt to get to animals as rapidly as doable after their dying.
Turkey Vulture Vary Map
These birds are darkish, they usually take 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 stuffed with meat that they can’t quickly fly away. On this case, you may even see them projectile vomit what they’ve eaten to drop extra 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 in contrast to most different vultures, they’re recognized 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 wonderful dad and mom and can defend their nest, eggs, and younger vigorously. Curiously, these vultures construct their nests on the bottom in stumps, caves, thickets, brush piles, or hole timber. 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 finest buddies.
Between the 2 species, Turkey Vultures have a MUCH higher sense of scent. Black Vultures use this truth to their benefit and comply with Turkey Vultures to a carcass. Usually, the extra aggressive Black Vultures will push back their vulture cousins to have the meals all to themselves. I ponder 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 assume they appear like hawks. However to make issues extra complicated, they act like vultures, as their main meals supply is carrion. Consequently, they’re usually seen scavenging on carcasses subsequent to vultures.
As if you’re not already confused about Crested Caracaras, among the finest locations to search out these birds of prey in Arizona is ON THE GROUND, as they spend a variety of time right here strolling round. It’s additionally pretty frequent for these falcons to run down reside prey, which incorporates reptiles, bugs, and small mammals.
Crested Caracaras aren’t that frequent in North America and are seen extra usually in Mexico and South America. However when you come throughout one, there isn’t a different hen that appears related!
#30. California Condor
- Top: 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 toes 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 the entire remaining birds have been captured. These birds have been then raised and bred in protected environments with the hope of releasing the offspring again into the wild.
To extend numbers, biologists wanted to encourage females to put a second egg since condors solely produce ONE egg naturally. To perform this feat, the primary egg laid was eliminated and raised by people who used puppets to imitate the dad and mom!
California Condor Vary Map
Fortunately, this system labored, and condors have been launched again into the wild in California in 1991 and Arizona in 1996. Since then, they’ve slowly been rising their numbers. In March 2020, there have been 337 birds within the wild and 181 in captive breeding packages.
Do you want assist figuring out raptors in Arizona?
Listed here are just a few books and assets you should buy that can help!
To be taught extra about different birds in Arizona, try these guides!
Which of those birds of prey have you ever seen earlier than in Arizona?
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A few of the vary maps above have been generously shared with permission from The Birds of The World, printed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I take advantage of their website OFTEN to be taught new details about birds!