Birds of Prey | raptorconservation1

02

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

As natural habitat continues to decline due to the quality and increase in agricultural, residential, and commercial activity, American Kestrels known for using natural nest cavities for breeding have turned to using nest boxes for survival. 27

The American Kestrel is considered the smallest falcon in North America, weighing between 3 to 6 ounces, which is approximately the weight of 34 pennies. 10

American Kestrels are considered to be wonderful hunters and can be found hunting as a family group. Due to their ability to see ultraviolet light, they are able to follow urine trails that lead them directly to their prey. 10

"This falconer's bird was in mid-meal" by Marlin Harms, Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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04

Peregrine Falcons

Falco peregrinus

Peregrines - meaning "travelers" in Latin, are found in every part of the world except Antarctica. This species has one of the longest migrations in North America, ranging up to 15,550 miles round trip each year. 17

Peregrine Falcons are species that mate for life and use the same nesting site from year to year. In the Midwestern states, 48% of Peregrine nesting sites are located in urban areas on high-rise buildings as well as other tall structures where they scrape out depressions on high cliffs. They are not commonly known for building their nests from sticks as other birds of prey. 17

Peregrines Falcons, known as the fastest bird in the wild can reach speeds of up 65 miles per hour when in chase, but can stoop as it hunts for its prey at speeds over 200 miles per hour. 17

"Captive peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)" by Carlos Delgado is licensed under CC BY 4.0

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07

Screech Owl

Megascops asio

The Eastern Screech Owl considered a nocturnal animal, ranges in color from gray to brown to reddish. They are unable to excavate their own nests and depend on natural tree cavities as well as holes made by wood peckers. 10. 14

The Eastern Screech Owl due to its size can be easily preyed upon in the wild. This small owl species uses its camouflage to flatten down its feathers and stretch its body to protect himself from other species that would mistaken him for a tree branch. 10

Screech owls are dependent upon trees for roosting and nesting. Unlike other owl species, they will not use sticks or twigs inside their nest cavity to lay their eggs. Lack of available trees due to habitat loss would make this species vulnerable for survival. 10

""Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)" by Gregory Smith, Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Click on the icon to visit the website for Screech Owl sounds in the wild.

03

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

In urban areas, Cooper's Hawks are notoriously known for preying on European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), Rock Doves (Columba livia), as well as the Red- bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 28

Cooper's Hawks are known as one of the North American accipiters. Accipiters species have short wings and long tails to easily maneuver through the forest in search of their prey. 1

This species can eat up to 12% of their body weight per day which would be equivalent to a person weighing 120 lbs and consuming 14 lbs in one day. 10

"Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)" by Steve Berardi, Cooper's Hawk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Click on the icon to visit the website for Cooper's Hawk sounds in the wild.

01

Red-Tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed hawks not only are known for their vibrant brownish-red feathers, but also for perching on power lines close to roads and busy highways in search of their prey. 10

Red-tailed Hawks - both the male and females can be seen in the spring soaring together in circles as they call back to one another displaying courtship behaviors. While in fall their soaring activity is demonstrated for defending territory as well as southward migration. 10, 4

The call of a Red-tailed Hawk is known for its loud, high-pitched, hoarse, screaming whistle. Due to Hollywood, the Red-tailed Hawk's famous sounds can be found in movies and television shows depicting the part of most birds of prey. 10

"A red-tail hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), taken in Urbana, IL" by Dori is licensed under CC BY 3.0

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Red-tailed Hawk

The facts

The mission

05

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Confederation Congress in 1872, adopted the Bald Eagle, found only living in North America, as the nation's emblem- which depicted courage, resilience, and strength. It was believed at that time to have a population of approximately 75,000. 23, 25

Bald Eagles sexually mature between 4 to 6 years of age and will mate for their entire lives. This species, known for occupying large trees for their nests, demonstrate a strong attachment with their nesting territory and will return to use the same nest each year to raise their young. 25 The nest of a Bald Eagle can measure up to 8 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and weigh approximately 2,200 pounds. 12

Bald Eagles when in flight have a wing span of up to 7 feet. They are able to see 4 times better than a person with perfect vision and have a life expectancy of 20 years in the wild. 3, 23

"Bald Eagle Looking Backwards" by Lilla Frerichs is licensed under CC0

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06

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Great Horned Owls are found throughout the Americas and is known as an adaptable species due to its variety of prey. 10 In the Midwest, their nests can typically be found in rural wooded areas or forests, as well as near farm buildings. 14 While they tend to hunt in open areas, they will roost and nest in forested habitats. 10

Since Great Horned Owls are commonly known to nest approximately a month earlier than Red-tailed Hawks, they will occupy and dominate the nests that have already been built displacing returning species. 24

Great Horned Owls are known as top predators. They help control populations of prey animals and maintain a balance within the ecosystems where they reside by preying on small to mid-size mammals. 10

"Great Horned Owl" by Patrick Myers, Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Click on the icon to visit the website for Great Horned Owl sounds in the wild.

Great Horned Owl 1

Screech Owl