What sorts of birds of prey can you discover in West Virginia?
This query is frequent, each for birders and non-birders alike. Raptors are common animals that are likely to catch individuals’s curiosity greater than most different species. Fortunately, there are numerous totally different species in all kinds of habitats.
Right here is how the under record is organized. Click on the hyperlink to leap straight to that part!
HAWKS
#1. Crimson-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
Crimson-tailed Hawks are in all probability the kind of hawk that individuals are most acquainted with. These birds of prey are sometimes seen in West Virginia on drives within the countryside, both hovering within the sky or perched on a fence publish.
The plumage shade of Crimson-tailed Hawks may be something from practically white to just about black, so coloration will not be a dependable indicator. One of the simplest ways to establish them is by on the lookout for their attribute crimson tail. 🙂
Crimson-tailed Hawk Vary Map
These hawks are extremely adaptable, and there’s no actual description of their most well-liked habitats as a result of they appear to be comfy all over the place. I’ve seen Crimson-tailed Hawks backpacking within the deep wilderness to city cities to my very own suburban yard! Choose a habitat, akin to pastures, parks, deserts, roadsides, rainforests, woodlands, fields, or scrublands, and also you’ll discover them thriving.
Crimson-tailed Hawks have spectacular calls which can be simply recognized. Pay attention under to those intimidating sounds under.
#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 West Virginia.
They’re extremely athletic and acrobatic. It’s frequent to see these raptors zipping by way of the woods or by your chicken feeders in a blur of movement!
To establish these birds, search for bars of orange on their higher chest that fade in direction of the stomach and blue-gray again and wings. When flying, their wings are comparatively brief and rounded however with a protracted tail. Females are significantly greater than males.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Vary Map
These raptors are frequent in forested areas in West Virginia. They’re most frequently seen round chicken feeders, looking 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 regimen.
One technique to confirm you’ve gotten seen a Sharp-shinned Hawk is to pay attention for his or her sounds. People give a high-pitched shrill “kik-kik-kik,” which is usually 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 giant raptors are generally present in West Virginia within the woods or on the sting of fields. Cooper’s Hawks are identified 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 unimaginable flying talents, these hawks primarily eat songbirds and are frequent in backyards round chicken feeders. At my feeding station, I’ve noticed these hawks preying on Crimson-winged Blackbirds, European Starlings, and Mourning Doves.
The commonest 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 extremely much like the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Their steely blue-gray look is sort of equivalent to the Sharp-shinned hawk, proper right 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’re observing!
#4. Crimson-shouldered Hawk
- Size: 15-19 in / 38-48 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.9 lbs. / 500-860 g
- Wingspan: 38-42 in / 96-107 cm
Distinctly marked, Crimson-shouldered Hawks have a barred rufous chest, largely white underwings, a strongly banded tail, and, in fact, crimson shoulders which can be seen when perched.
Crimson-shouldered Hawks are primarily forest dwellers. Their favourite locations are woods with an open higher cover since this further house permits them to hunt extra effectively. These raptors are additionally frequent in suburban areas the place homes have been blended into woodlands.
I see Crimson-shouldered Hawks steadily, particularly in winter, looking in my yard for squirrels.
Crimson-shouldered Hawk Vary Map
Talking of meals, these hawks primarily eat small mammals however will feast on snakes, lizards, and amphibians when out there. When looking, these raptors drop onto their prey instantly from overhead, making their looking model distinctive.
You’ll be able to see this conduct under, as a Crimson-shouldered Hawk tries to catch a squirrel in my yard! Don’t fear; the hawk is unsuccessful.
Crimson-shouldered Hawk looking in my yard!
#5. 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 stay in West Virginia and are pretty frequent, however they aren’t 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 West Virginia, they fly south for the winters to Central America and South America. Broad-winged Hawks are in all probability greatest identified for his or her epic migrations every fall.
It’s estimated that the typical chicken travels over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) whole, 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 1000’s! Getting the prospect to observe a “kettle” of Broad Winged Hawks is genuinely awe-inspiring, as you may see within the video above!
#6. 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’ll be able to solely see these giant birds of prey in West Virginia in the course of the winter once they migrate south.
In contrast to most hawks, this species has feathers all the best way right down to their ft, which helps hold them heat within the chilly environments they select to stay.
Tough-legged Hawk Vary Map
Search for these chunky, giant raptors in open areas. They’ve a novel looking model the place they hover whereas going through the wind, on the lookout for meals. In actual fact, they’re one of many few birds of prey that really hovers in place.
Tough-legged Hawks are sometimes silent, besides they make a mewing sound close to the nest. (Pay attention under!)
#7. 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 that you must find out about Ospreys is they’re NOT hawks! They aren’t 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 usually are not hawks, they definitely look much like one. These raptors have additionally been given nicknames, akin to Sea Hawk, River Hawk, and Fish Hawk, which trace on the affiliation between an Osprey and a hawk.
Osprey Vary Map
If you consider an Osprey, you need to consider fish as a result of that’s what these birds eat 99% of the time. Due to their specialised food regimen, you’ll nearly all the time discover these birds of prey residing, breeding, and elevating their younger round water in West Virginia.
Pay attention for Ospreys subsequent time you’re 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
#8. Nice Horned Owl
- Size: 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 frequent birds of prey in West Virginia.
In actual fact, these raptors can truly be discovered nearly wherever in North America, from the Arctic to the tropics. Its habitat is virtually limitless so long as there are bushes and rocky nesting websites out there. It’s arduous to discover a chicken that may adapt higher than a Nice Horned Owl.
Nice Horned Owl Vary Map
These owls are giant and look fierce! To establish 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 not wish 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 a number of miles away at evening. I don’t suppose there’s one other owl species that does hooting higher than a Nice Horned Owl!
#9. Barred Owl
- Size: 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 standard raptor present in West Virginia. The title “barred” derives from the horizontal stripes of alternating mild brown and darkish brown on the wings, again, and tail.
Barred Owls are the kind of owl I’ve noticed probably the most within the wild. They’re inquisitive and can usually keep and watch as you stroll previous them. Even when they get nervous as you method, they sometimes fly off to a different close by tree to proceed observing.
Barred Owl Vary Map
Barred Owls depend on mice and different small rodents however eat nearly something product of meat! They are going to readily seize rats, rabbits, bats, squirrels, moles, minks, weasels, opossums, quite a lot of birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and turtles, and can even hunt round your nightly campfire to catch some candy, juicy bugs.
And talking of classical noises, their hoots are the basic sounds featured in films and scary Halloween tales. It’s simple to acknowledge their name because it feels like they’re asking, “Who cooks for you.” Barred Owls will hold forth throughout daytime, too, they usually mate for all times.
#10. 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 often known as 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 West Virginia!
As you may see, these owls get their title from the lengthy tufts of feathers on their heads. These ear tufts resemble exclamation factors, so Lengthy-eared Owls usually look like they’ve a stunned look on their face.
Lengthy-eared Owl Vary Map
Amongst owls, these guys are distinctive by being fairly sociable. They’re identified to stay in clusters and even share roosts!
Since Lengthy-eared Owls may be extremely arduous to see, one of the best ways to find them is to pay attention! In the course of the mating season, males are fairly talkative. Their typical name is repeated wherever from 10 to 200 instances and feels like a low “hoo,” evenly spaced each few seconds.
#11. Japanese Screech-Owl
- Size: 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 might remind you {of professional} wrestlers since they’re brief, stocky, and haven’t any necks! These owls can both be gray or crimson, with a couple of third of all people being crimson.
These small raptors are present in wooded areas in West Virginia.
They don’t appear to thoughts individuals an excessive amount of as they’re comfy nesting on high of streetlamps, subsequent to busy roadways/highways, or inside areas in populated buildings.
Japanese Screech-owl Vary Map
Japanese Screech-owls make quite a lot of hoots, calls, and songs, however their hottest is an even-pitched trill, usually known as a tremolo. The tremolo is utilized by pairs to maintain in touch with one another and lasts between 3 to six seconds. I believe this tremolo name sounds loads like mating toads, and I generally get the 2 confused!
#12. 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 below 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 title). Although severely endangered in lots of elements of their vary, farmers love them as a result of they hold surrounding property pretty rodent-free, defending different animals from the ailments that mice and rats carry.
They don’t “hoot” within the classical style of different owls. Their distinctive screechy sound is way extra harking back to a red-tailed hawk. When exhibiting off for a feminine, males generally clap their wings collectively a few instances whereas flying.
#13. 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 likely one of the smallest raptors in West Virginia, and they’re cute as a button.
Their favourite meals are mice, voles, and shrews. However these owls will complement their food regimen with small birds, bugs, and invertebrates when essential.
Northern Noticed-whet Owl Vary Map
Northern Noticed-whet Owls desire dense coniferous or blended hardwood forests with a river close by. Due to their want for mature bushes, their numbers have been declining.
These owls get their title from the sound they make when alarmed, which resembles the whetting (sharpening) of a noticed. However their commonest name occurs in the course of the breeding season. It feels like a “too-too-too” emitted at about two notes per second.
#14. Quick-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 all the time seen. Quick-eared Owls sometimes solely erect them once they wish to look intimidating.
Your greatest probability to identify these birds of prey in West Virginia is at nightfall or daybreak in open fields, grasslands, meadows, or airports.
Quick-eared Owl Vary Map
These owls construct their nests on the bottom in open areas akin 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 odor will hold predators away. Like a Kildeer, Quick-eared Owls additionally lure predators away from their nest by hopping away and pretending to be injured.
Quick-eared Owls usually are not significantly vocal. However once they do make noises, these birds have a name, oddly sufficient, that sounds an terrible lot like a cat on the lookout for a mate.
FALCONS, EAGLES, & VULTURES
#15. Peregrine Falcon
- Size: 13-23 in / 34-58 cm
- Weight: 12-53 oz. / 330-1500 g
- Wingspan: 29-47 in / 74-120 cm
These giant birds of prey are generally present in West Virginia 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 ft (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.
#16. 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 West Virginia 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.
In actual fact, you might have heard of a kestrel’s alternate title, which is the Sparrow Hawk. This title was given as a result of they are going to take sparrows and different birds of that dimension proper out of the air!
American Kestrel Vary Map
One among their favourite methods to catch prey is to hover within the breeze from a comparatively low top, on the lookout for bugs, invertebrates, small rodents, and birds. However life may be robust while you’re the smallest falcon since they’re generally 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 under to listen to an instance!
#17. Bald Eagle
The rationale that Bald Eagles are discovered round water is that they largely eat fish! Search for them round marshes, lakes, coasts, and rivers. The BEST areas are forests close to giant our bodies of water that present good fishing AND tall bushes for nesting websites.
Under, you may hear what a Bald Eagle feels like. When you think about an intimidating eagle name, then you definately can be incorrect. I believe they sound extra like a gull, with trills and little whistles.
Press PLAY above to listen to a Bald Eagle!
#18. 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 West Virginia.
With that being stated, they aren’t 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’ll be able to all the time establish a Merlin by its fast wingbeats and since it’s so small.
However regardless of its diminutive stature, this falcon is an extremely fierce chicken 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 chicken you don’t wish to annoy or make nervous!
Merlin Vary Map
Whereas usually silent, it’s attainable to listen to a loud, excessive cackle that feels like “klee-klee-klee.” Usually, these calls are made throughout courtship or when exhibiting aggression. Press the PLAY button above to listen to an instance.
#19. 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 chicken of prey in West Virginia.
In actual fact, it’s the most considerable vulture in your complete nation. They’re comparatively simple to establish, as they’re all black, with a bald crimson head and a pinkish invoice. The title derives from their unfastened resemblance to a Wild Turkey.
Turkey Vultures use their extremely developed sense of odor to find carrion. Their sense of odor is so delicate that they will detect lifeless meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. These birds desire to eat recent meals, they usually attempt to get to animals as rapidly as attainable 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 average 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 not quickly fly away. On this case, you may even see them projectile vomit what they’ve eaten to reduce weight and escape. If they aim the predator’s face, the fabric may be blinding.
#20. 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 not like most different vultures, they’re identified to kill animals to feed on recent meat. It’s not unusual for them to prey on residing skunks, opossums, and livestock, akin 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 mother and father 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 bushes. No nesting materials is used both!
Black Vulture Vary Map
Search for Black Vultures in West Virginia 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 greatest associates.
Between the 2 species, Turkey Vultures have a MUCH higher sense of odor. Black Vultures use this reality to their benefit and observe 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? 🙂
Do you want assist figuring out raptors in West Virginia?
Listed below are a number of books and sources you should purchase that may help!
To study extra about different birds in West Virginia, take a look at these guides!
Which of those birds of prey have you ever seen earlier than in West Virginia?
Depart a remark under!
Among the vary maps above have been generously shared with permission from The Birds of The World, revealed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I exploit their website OFTEN to study new details about birds!
