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What types of birds of prey are you able to in finding in West Virginia?

This query is not unusual, each for birders and non-birders alike. Raptors are in style animals that have a tendency to catch other folks’s pastime greater than maximum different species. Thankfully, there are lots of other species in all kinds of habitats.

20 Birds of Prey IN West Virginia:

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This is how the underneath listing is arranged. Click on the hyperlink to leap directly to that segment!

Hawks (#1 – #7)

Owls (#8- #14)

Falcons, Eagles, & Vultures (#15+)

HAWKS

#1. Pink-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Period: 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 more than likely the kind of hawk that persons are maximum accustomed to. Those birds of prey are steadily noticed in West Virginia on drives within the geographical region, both hovering within the sky or perched on a fence publish.

The plumage colour of Pink-tailed Hawks will also be anything else from just about white to nearly black, so color isn’t a competent indicator. One of the simplest ways to spot them is by means of searching for their feature purple tail.

Pink-tailed Hawk Vary Map

Those hawks are extremely adaptable, and there is not any actual description in their most popular habitats as a result of they appear to be at ease all over. I’ve noticed Pink-tailed Hawks backpacking within the deep desolate tract to city towns to my very own suburban yard! Select a habitat, similar to pastures, parks, deserts, roadsides, rainforests, woodlands, fields, or scrublands, and also you’ll in finding them thriving.

Pink-tailed Hawks have spectacular calls which are simply recognized. Pay attention underneath to those intimidating sounds underneath.

#2. Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Period: 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 the crucial smallest birds of prey in West Virginia.

They’re extremely athletic and acrobatic. It’s not unusual to look those raptors zipping throughout the woods or by means of your fowl feeders in a blur of movement!

To spot those birds, search for bars of orange on their higher chest that fade against the stomach and blue-gray again and wings. When flying, their wings are slightly brief and rounded however with an extended tail. Women folk are significantly larger than men.

Sharp-shinned Hawk Vary Map

Those raptors are not unusual in forested spaces in West Virginia. They’re maximum steadily noticed round fowl feeders, searching and preying at the songbirds that come to consult with. Those raptors are ambush predators, sitting patiently after which rushing out from duvet at excessive pace to chase birds, which make up 90% in their vitamin.

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A method to make sure you’ve gotten noticed a Sharp-shinned Hawk is to concentrate for his or her sounds. People give a high-pitched shrill “kik-kik-kik,” which is generally repeated a number of instances.

#3. Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Period: 13.5-20 in / 35-50 cm
Weight: 8-24 oz. / 220-680 g
Wingspan: 24.5-35.5 in / 62-90 cm

Those huge raptors are regularly present in West Virginia within the woods or at the fringe of fields. Cooper’s Hawks are identified for his or her flying agility. I see them steadily at my area in high-speed chases throughout the cover, going after their prey.

Cooper’s Hawk Vary Map

On account of their unbelievable flying talents, those hawks essentially consume songbirds and are not unusual in backyards round fowl feeders. At my feeding station, I’ve seen those hawks preying on Pink-winged Blackbirds, Ecu Starlings, and Mourning Doves.

The most typical sound a Cooper’s Hawk emits is an alarm name that feels like “kuck, kuck, kuc” or “cak-cak-cak.”

Visually, a Cooper’s Hawk appears to be like extremely very similar to the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Their steely blue-gray look is just about similar 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 method to inform those hawks aside is to take a look at the dimensions distinction. Cooper’s are better than Sharp-shinneds. But when they’re airborne, excellent success working out which one you might be staring at!

#4. Pink-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

Period: 15-19 in / 38-48 cm
Weight: 1.1-1.9 lbs. / 500-860 g
Wingspan: 38-42 in / 96-107 cm

Distinctly marked, Pink-shouldered Hawks have a barred rufous chest, most commonly white underwings, a strongly banded tail, and, after all, purple shoulders which are visual when perched.

Pink-shouldered Hawks are essentially wooded area dwellers. Their favourite puts are woods with an open higher cover since this additional house lets them hunt extra successfully. Those raptors also are not unusual in suburban spaces the place properties were blended into woodlands.

I see Pink-shouldered Hawks incessantly, particularly in iciness, searching in my yard for squirrels.

Pink-shouldered Hawk Vary Map

Talking of meals, those hawks essentially consume small mammals however will ceremonial dinner on snakes, lizards, and amphibians when to be had. When searching, those raptors drop onto their prey without delay from overhead, making their searching taste distinctive.

You’ll see this habits underneath, as a Pink-shouldered Hawk tries to catch a squirrel in my yard! Don’t fear; the hawk is unsuccessful.

Pink-shouldered Hawk searching in my yard!

#5. Huge-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

Period: 13.5-17.5 inches / 34-44 cm
Weight: 16 oz. / 450 g
Wingspan: 33 inches / 84 cm

The our bodies of Huge-winged Hawks are brief and stocky, which makes them completely tailored to lifestyles within the wooded area. Those birds of prey are living in West Virginia and are reasonably not unusual, however they aren’t steadily noticed as a result of they like spending their time within the deep woods clear of people.

Huge-winged Hawk Vary Map

Whilst those raptors spend their summers right here in West Virginia, they fly south for the winters to Central The us and South The us. Huge-winged Hawks are more than likely best possible identified for his or her epic migrations every fall.

It’s estimated that the common fowl travels over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) overall, and that’s simply ONE WAY, and they have got to finish this go back and forth two times in keeping with yr.

Those long-distance flyers steadily commute south in combination, hovering on air currents by means of the 1000’s! Getting the danger to look at a “kettle” of Huge Winged Hawks is if truth be told awe-inspiring, as you’ll be able to see within the video above!

#6. Tough Legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

Period: 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 at the Arctic tundra.

You’ll best see those huge birds of prey in West Virginia all through the iciness after they migrate south.

Not like maximum hawks, this species has feathers all of the manner all the way down to their ft, which is helping stay them heat within the chilly environments they select to are living.

Tough-legged Hawk Vary Map

Search for those chunky, huge raptors in open spaces. They’ve a novel searching taste the place they hover whilst dealing with the wind, searching for meals. If truth be told, they’re one of the crucial few birds of prey that really hovers in position.

Tough-legged Hawks are generally silent, apart from they make a mewing sound close to the nest. (Pay attention underneath!)

#7. Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Period: 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 you wish to have to find out about Ospreys is they’re NOT hawks! They aren’t eagles both and, scientifically talking, were given their very own Circle of relatives (Pandionidae) and Genus (Pandion), break free all different birds of prey.

Even if Ospreys aren’t hawks, they indubitably glance very similar to one. Those raptors have additionally been given nicknames, similar to Sea Hawk, River Hawk, and Fish Hawk, which trace on the affiliation between an Osprey and a hawk.

Osprey Vary Map

Whilst you call to mind an Osprey, you must call to mind fish as a result of that’s what those birds consume 99% of the time. On account of their specialised vitamin, you’ll nearly at all times in finding those birds of prey residing, breeding, and elevating their younger round water in West Virginia.

Pay attention for Ospreys subsequent time you might be round a big frame of water. Their alarm name is a chain of brief, high-pitched whistles that descend in pitch. The noise has been in comparison to a teapot taken off a range.

OWLS

#8. Nice Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Period: 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 not unusual birds of prey in West Virginia.

If truth be told, those raptors can in reality be discovered nearly any place in North The us, from the Arctic to the tropics. Its habitat is almost limitless so long as there are timber and rocky nesting websites to be had. It’s arduous to discover a fowl that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.

Nice Horned Owl Vary Map

Those owls are huge and glance fierce! To spot 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 now not need to have a staring contest with one!

Each sexes hoot, however men are lower-pitched than women folk. Men give territorial calls that may be heard a couple of miles away at evening. I don’t suppose there’s every other owl species that does hooting higher than a Nice Horned Owl!

#9. Barred Owl

Strix varia

Period: 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 not unusual raptor present in West Virginia. The identify “barred” derives from the horizontal stripes of alternating mild brown and darkish brown at the wings, again, and tail.

Barred Owls are the kind of owl I’ve seen probably the most within the wild. They’re inquisitive and can steadily keep and watch as you stroll previous them. Despite the fact that they get worried as you method, they generally fly off to every other within reach tree to proceed staring at.

Barred Owl Vary Map

Barred Owls depend on mice and different small rodents however consume nearly anything else made from meat! They’ll readily grasp rats, rabbits, bats, squirrels, moles, minks, weasels, opossums, quite a lot of birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and turtles, and may also hunt round your nightly campfire to catch some candy, juicy bugs.

And talking of classical noises, their hoots are the vintage sounds featured in films and horrifying Halloween stories. It’s simple to acknowledge their name because it feels like they’re asking, “Who chefs for you.” Barred Owls will hold forth all through sunlight hours, too, and so they mate for lifestyles.

#10. Lengthy-eared Owl

Asio otus

Period: 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 often referred to as the Northern Lengthy-Eared Owl, Lesser Horned Owl, or Cat Owl as a result of their catlike facial options.

They’re secretive and roost in very dense foliage. Mixed with their superb camouflage, those birds of prey are EXTREMELY arduous to identify in West Virginia!

As you’ll be able to see, those owls get their identify from the lengthy tufts of feathers on their heads. Those ear tufts resemble exclamation issues, so Lengthy-eared Owls steadily look like they have got a stunned glance on their face.

Lengthy-eared Owl Vary Map

Amongst owls, those guys are distinctive by means of being rather sociable. They’re identified to are living in clusters or even percentage roosts!

Since Lengthy-eared Owls will also be extremely arduous to look, the easiest way to find them is to concentrate! All over the mating season, men are rather talkative. Their standard name is repeated any place from 10 to 200 instances and feels like a low “hoo,” flippantly spaced each and every few seconds.

#11. Japanese Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

Period: 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 would possibly remind you {of professional} wrestlers since they’re brief, stocky, and don’t have any necks! Those owls can both be gray or purple, with a couple of 3rd of all folks being purple.

Those small raptors are present in wooded spaces in West Virginia.

They don’t appear to thoughts other folks an excessive amount of as they’re at ease nesting on best of streetlamps, subsequent to busy roadways/highways, or inside of areas in populated structures.

Japanese Screech-owl Vary Map

Japanese Screech-owls make quite a lot of hoots, calls, and songs, however their most well liked is an even-pitched trill, steadily referred to as a tremolo. The tremolo is utilized by pairs to stay involved with every different and lasts between 3 to six seconds. I believe this tremolo name sounds so much like mating toads, and I once in a while get the 2 puzzled!

#12. American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

Barn Owls (aka Church Owl, Ghost Owl, and Monkey-faced Owl) have a heart-shaped face this is sandy-colored with a gloomy brown edge. Apparently, the form of an owl’s face steers sound to their ears, which is helping lead them to environment friendly hunters.

Their listening to is so excellent that they are able to find small animals beneath dense brush or snow conveniently, 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). Even though significantly endangered in lots of portions in their vary, farmers love them as a result of they retain surrounding assets reasonably rodent-free, protective different animals from the illnesses that mice and rats elevate.

They don’t “hoot” within the classical style of alternative owls. Their distinctive screechy sound is way more paying homage to a red-tailed hawk. When appearing off for a feminine, men once in a while clap their wings in combination a few instances whilst flying.

#13. Northern Noticed-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

Period: 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 without doubt one of the smallest raptors in West Virginia, and they’re lovable as a button.

Their favourite meals are mice, voles, and shrews. However those owls will complement their vitamin with small birds, bugs, and invertebrates when essential.

Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map

Northern Noticed-whet Owls want dense coniferous or blended hardwood forests with a river within reach. On account of their want for mature timber, their numbers were declining.

Those owls get their identify from the sound they make when alarmed, which resembles the whetting (polishing) of a noticed. However their maximum not unusual name occurs all through the breeding season. It feels like a “too-too-too” emitted at about two notes in keeping with 2d.

#14. Quick-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

Period: 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 visual. Quick-eared Owls generally best erect them after they need to glance intimidating.

Your best possible probability to identify those birds of prey in West Virginia is at nightfall or first light in open fields, grasslands, meadows, or airports.

Quick-eared Owl Vary Map

Those owls construct their nests at the flooring in open spaces similar to meadows, tundra, savanna, or prairies.

If obliged to escape its nest to attract off a predator, the guardian will poop at the eggs so the odor will stay predators away. Like a Kildeer, Quick-eared Owls additionally trap predators clear of their nest by means of hopping away and pretending to be injured.

Quick-eared Owls aren’t specifically vocal. But if they do make noises, those birds have a decision, oddly sufficient, that sounds an terrible lot like a cat searching for a mate.

FALCONS, EAGLES, & VULTURES

#15. Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Period: 13-23 in / 34-58 cm
Weight: 12-53 oz.. / 330-1500 g
Wingspan: 29-47 in / 74-120 cm

Those huge birds of prey are regularly present in West Virginia in city spaces.

On account of their fondness for nesting at the facets of tall structures, those falcons are not unusual in towns the place they steadily change into native celebrities!

Peregrine Falcon Vary Map

Peregrine Falcons have the honour of being the FASTEST animal on the earth! Don’t be fooled by means of tales that the cheetah is the quickest creature. Oh positive, they are able to crank it as much as 75 mph (120 kph), and that’s wonderful for being at the flooring.

But if a Peregrine Falcon dives, it may succeed in speeds of as much as 200 mph (320 kph)! And it begins its adventure from as excessive as 3,000 ft (915 m), so it cruises at those excessive speeds for a substantial distance.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE THE INCREDIBLE DIVING ABILITIES OF THE PEREGRINE FALCON.

#16. American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Period: 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 West Virginia and is more or less the dimensions of an American Robin. Don’t let the tiny stature idiot you, regardless that, as a result of those birds of prey are achieved hunters.

If truth be told, you could have heard of a kestrel’s trade identify, which is the Sparrow Hawk. This identify used to be given as a result of they’re going to take sparrows and different birds of that measurement proper out of the air!

American Kestrel Vary Map

Certainly one of their favourite methods to catch prey is to hover within the breeze from a slightly low top, searching for bugs, invertebrates, small rodents, and birds. However lifestyles will also be difficult whilst you’re the smallest falcon since they’re once in a while eaten as prey by means of better raptors, in addition to rat snakes and corn snakes!

Kestrels have a definite name that sounds find it irresistible’s pronouncing “klee-klee-klee” or “killy, killy, killy,” which is in most cases repeated swiftly. Press the PLAY button underneath to listen to an instance!

#17. Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Period: 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 america since 1782 and is without doubt one of the maximum recognizable birds on this planet!

Those huge birds of prey are actually rather prevalent in West Virginia, however that wasn’t at all times the case.

Bald Eagles nearly went extinct within the mid-Twentieth century because of DDT poisoning. After years of devoted conservation paintings, they have got recovered and are a real good fortune tale. They are maximum regularly noticed round our bodies of water.

Bald Eagle Vary Map

The explanation that Bald Eagles are discovered round water is they most commonly consume fish! Search for them round marshes, lakes, coasts, and rivers. The BEST spaces are forests close to huge our bodies of water that supply excellent fishing AND tall timber for nesting websites.

Underneath, you’ll be able to pay attention what a Bald Eagle feels like. For those who consider an intimidating eagle name, then you could be mistaken. I believe they sound extra like a gull, with trills and little whistles.

Press PLAY above to listen to a Bald Eagle!

#18. Merlin

Falco columbarius

Period: 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 West Virginia.

With that being stated, they aren’t that not unusual to watch and are unpredictable in regard to their vary. They’re a bit of better than the American Kestrel, with a stockier construct, sharply pointed wings, and medium-length tails. You’ll at all times establish a Merlin by means of its speedy wingbeats and since it’s so small.

However regardless of its diminutive stature, this falcon is a surprisingly fierce fowl and makes use of wonder assaults to convey down its prey. It’s so daring that it’s been noticed attacking trains and automobiles that input its territory.

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

Merlin Vary Map

Whilst normally silent, it’s imaginable to listen to a noisy, excessive cackle that feels like “klee-klee-klee.” In most cases, those calls are made all through courtship or when appearing aggression. Press the PLAY button above to listen to an instance.

#19. Turkey Vulture

Cathartes charisma

Period: 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 surprisingly not unusual fowl of prey in West Virginia.

If truth be told, it’s the maximum ample vulture in all of the nation. They’re slightly simple to spot, as they’re all black, with a bald purple head and a pinkish invoice. The identify derives from their free resemblance to a Wild Turkey.

Turkey Vultures use their extremely advanced sense of odor to find carrion. Their sense of odor is so delicate that they are able to stumble on useless meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. Those birds wish to consume recent meals, and they are attempting to get to animals as briefly as imaginable after their loss of life.

Turkey Vulture Vary Map

Those birds are darkish, and so they soak up warmth simply. To chill themselves off, they defecate on their legs to chill the blood and assist them reasonable their frame temperature. Let’s jointly say “Ewww” and transfer on!

When those raptors are nervous, they are able to be so stuffed with meat that they can not swiftly fly away. On this case, you may even see them projectile vomit what they’ve eaten to drop extra pounds and get away. If they aim the predator’s face, the fabric will also be blinding.

#20. Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

Period: 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 essentially consume carrion, however in contrast to maximum different vultures, they’re identified to kill animals to feed on recent meat. It isn’t unusual for them to prey on residing skunks, opossums, and cattle, similar to child pigs, calves, and lambs.

Black Vultures are monogamous and can stick with their mate for a few years. The unswerving pair are superb oldsters and can protect their nest, eggs, and younger vigorously. Apparently, those vultures construct their nests at the flooring in stumps, caves, thickets, brush piles, or hole timber. No nesting subject material is used both!

Black Vulture Vary Map

Search for Black Vultures in West Virginia in each forested and open spaces. They like to roost and nest in dense forests however forage for meals alongside roads, fields, and different open areas. Black Vultures are regularly noticed striking round Turkey Vultures, and it’s now not as a result of they’re best possible buddies.

Between the 2 species, Turkey Vultures have a MUCH higher sense of odor. Black Vultures use this truth to their merit and apply Turkey Vultures to a carcass. Frequently, the extra competitive Black Vultures will push back their vulture cousins to have the meals all to themselves. I wonder whether Turkey Vultures ever really feel used?

Do you wish to have assist figuring out raptors in West Virginia?

Listed below are a couple of books and sources you’ll be able to acquire that can lend a hand!

To be informed extra about different birds in West Virginia, take a look at those guides!

Which of those birds of prey have you ever noticed earlier than in West Virginia?

Depart a remark underneath!

One of the vary maps above had been generously shared with permission from The Birds of The International, printed by means of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I exploit their website OFTEN to be informed new details about birds!

The publish 20 Birds of Prey Present in West Virginia! (2024) gave the impression first on Chook Observing HQ.