Are you looking for the most interesting Florida birds of prey?
Florida is home to many predatory birds, such as Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Vultures, Raptors, Owls, and more.
These birds hunt and eat other animals larger than themselves.
Identifying these birds can be exciting, but it’s important to bring the right equipment and be cautious to stay safe.
Birds of prey have been known to attack people and pets when provoked.
Check out our list of 26 Florida birds of prey…
26 Florida Birds Of Prey
Here’s a list of 26 Florida birds of prey you need to check out…
1. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle’s brown head and body make it identifiable.
Its wingspan can reach up to 7 feet in length.
People commonly find them in the Everglades National Park and the Everglades in Florida.
At least five countries, including Mexico, use this eagle as their national symbol.
2. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, the national symbol for the United States of America, has a brown body with unmistakable white heads and yellow beaks.
These eagles heavily populate Florida and are most commonly found around rivers, lakes, and coastal areas in Florida.
3. Peregrine Falcon
The largest Falcon on the continent, the Peregrine Falcon, is identifiable by their dark body and white chest.
Younger Peregrine Falcons have heavy markings of vertical black stripes on their chest that fades as they get older.
These falcons are most commonly found along the coast.
4. Merlin
This relatively small falcon is a fast flying bird.
These birds have either a grey-blue or silver feather pattering with speckled chests.
In the spring and summer, these falcons can be found in the woodlands, but in the winter they are found in grasslands and coastal areas.
5. American Kestrel
This falcon is not only the smallest falcon in North America, but it is also the most widely recognized falcon on the continent.
The back feathers are light brown with a white chest.
Dark speckled pattern can be seen throughout the white chest and light brown wings.
This Falcon can be found throughout Florida.
6. Sharp-shinned Hawk
This hawk is a small hawk, in fact, the males are the smallest hawks on the continent.
Their wings are rounded and their tails are long and striped with dark and light brown.
They are found in the forests of Florida.
7. Cooper’s Hawk
This hawk is identified by its long, rounded tail, broad chest, and round wings.
They are blue-grey or silver in color on their backs, with red and white on their chests. They are most often found living in heavily wooded areas.
8. Short-tailed Hawk
The Short-tailed Hawk, while not as common to Florida as other birds of prey, can be found in swamps and wooded areas.
They have beautiful white chests with amber wings, backs, and heads.
9. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the larger hawks.
It is known for its broad chest and shoulders, has rounded wings, and relatively small tail feathers.
They are mostly brown, with dark brown wingtips, and red tail feathers.
These birds are primarily found in northeastern Florida.
10. Red-shouldered Hawk
This beautiful hawk is much lighter in color than other hawks. It is mostly cream colored with light brown and red markings.
The wings are rounded, with somewhat smaller tail feathers, and broad shoulders.
Red-shouldered Hawks are usually found in southern Florida.
11. Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged hawks are smaller than the red-tailed hawk and about the same size as the red-shouldered hawk.
Adult Broad-winged hawks have mostly brown feathers with some deep red, and their wings and tail feathers have dark brown stripes.
People often find these birds in Florida during the winter months.
12. Turkey Vulture
These large birds are often seen on the ground scavenging roadkill or eating their kill.
They are dark bodied, with red on their face, and resemble a turkey.
Turkey vultures are mostly found near pastures and wooded areas where their food, small animals and rodents, are easily accessible.
13. Black Vulture
The second of Florida’s vultures, Black Vultures, are almost completely black, or dark grey.
Like the Turkey Vulture, they are found in pastures and wooded areas where they can easily find food.
14. Swallow-Tailed Kite
The Swallow-tailed Kite is a stunning bird.
They are the perfect contrast of black and white with a forked tail unlike any other bird.
These birds are typically seen in Florida during their migratory period in February and March.
15. Snail Kite
These Kites have a broad chest and a long, broad tail.
They are dark in color, but when they spread their wings they are lighter underneath.
Snail Kites are found in Florida’s Everglades.
16. White-tailed Kite
White-tailed Kites are not only white-tailed, but white-bodied, and have some white on their wings.
The tips of their wings are dark, like their backs. Their tail feathers are spread out and feathered at the ends.
These birds are most commonly found around marshes in Florida.
17. Mississippi Kite
The Mississippi Kite is very similar in looks to the White-tailed Kite, they have white bodies and dark wings:
However, their tails are dark, unlike the White-tailed Kites.
These birds are found in forests along river banks or near streams.
18. The Barred Owl
These beautiful owls are mostly dark brown and white. They have vertical spots of brown on the lower belly and their upper chest has horizontal brown spots.
These birds are found breeding in mature trees from January through March.
19. The Great Horned Owl
One of the most commonly recognized owls, the Great Horned Owl, is brown, grey, and white in color with “horns” on their heads.
These owls are also known as “Hoot Owls” and are found in the northern wilderness of Florida.
20. Osprey
The Osprey are more commonly known as Fish Hawks or SeaHawks.
They look similar to other Hawks with dark brown bodies and wings.
These birds have lighter brown markings on their chest and brown markings on their wings.
They are found along Florida’s coastline.
21. Limpkin
These birds are most similar in looks to a crane.
They have long legs, a long beak, and are light to medium brown.
They primarily live in the wetlands of Florida.
22. Gyrfalcon
The Gyrfalcon, a large bird of prey, usually inhabits Arctic and subarctic regions.
Although not a native resident of Florida, it occasionally visits the state in winter, mainly in the north.
These falcons are powerful hunters, feeding on small to medium-sized mammals and birds.
Their striking white plumage and powerful, hooked beaks make them easy to recognize.
Gyrfalcon populations are declining due to habitat loss and other environmental factors, despite their impressive hunting abilities.
23. Goshawk
The Goshawk is a large bird of prey that can be found in the northern regions of Florida.
With its broad wings and long tail, this hawk is a skilled hunter of small to medium-sized mammals and birds.
It is easily recognized by its slate-gray plumage and fierce, piercing gaze.
24. Common Buzzard
The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey that can be found in the northern regions of Florida.
With its broad wings and distinctive V-shaped silhouette, this hawk is a skilled hunter of small mammals, birds, and insects.
It is easily recognized by its mottled brown plumage and its habit of soaring on thermals high above the ground.
25. Rough-legged Hawk
The Rough-legged Hawk is a large bird of prey that winters in northern Florida.
With its broad wings and feathered legs, this hawk is a skilled hunter of small mammals like rodents and rabbits.
It is easily recognized by its mottled brown plumage and distinctive black belly band.
Despite its impressive hunting skills, Rough-legged Hawk populations are declining due to habitat loss and other environmental factors.
26. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey that can be found throughout Florida.
With its distinctive white rump patch and owl-like facial disk, this hawk is a skilled hunter of small mammals and birds.
It is easily recognized by its low, graceful flight over marshy areas and grasslands.
Despite its widespread distribution, Northern Harrier populations are declining due to habitat loss and other environmental factors.
Facts And Statistics:
Here’s a comparison table of the most commonly found birds of prey in Florida:
| Bird of Prey | Size | Habitat | Diet | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 2.3-3.1 ft wingspan, 6.5-14 lbs | Coasts, wetlands, and lakes | Fish, birds, small mammals | Threatened |
| Osprey | 5-6 ft wingspan, 3-4 lbs | Coasts, wetlands, and lakes | Fish | Least Concern |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 3.5-4.5 ft wingspan, 1-2 lbs | Forests, swamps, and wetlands | Small mammals, birds, reptiles | Least Concern |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 4-5 ft wingspan, 2-4 lbs | Open areas, woodlands, and forests | Small mammals, birds, reptiles | Least Concern |
| Peregrine Falcon | 2.3-3.5 ft wingspan, 1-2 lbs | Open areas, coastal cliffs, and tall buildings | Birds, bats, insects | Endangered |
| American Kestrel | 1.5-2 ft wingspan, 3-5 oz | Open areas, woodlands, and grasslands | Insects, small mammals, birds | Least Concern |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 2.5-3.5 ft wingspan, 0.5-1.5 lbs | Woodlands, forests, and suburban areas | Birds, small mammals | Least Concern |
| Great Horned Owl | 4-5 ft wingspan, 2-5 lbs | Forests, swamps, and deserts | Small mammals, birds, reptiles | Least Concern |
| Barred Owl | 3-4 ft wingspan, 1-2 lbs | Forests, swamps, and wetlands | Small mammals, birds, reptiles | Least Concern |
| Turkey Vulture | 5-6 ft wingspan, 4-5 lbs | Open areas, forests, and deserts | Carrion, garbage | Least Concern |
Must-Have Items For Bird Watching Florida Birds Of Prey
There are many different things that birdwatchers take with them while bird watching.
As a result, bird watchers will bring binoculars to see the birds clearly.
The next item recommended by bird watchers is a bird watching manual so that people can easily determine which bird they are viewing.
Another important item bird watchers will bring with them is a digital camera with a specialty lens so that they can document what they see.
Some bird watchers also bring a journal and pen so that they can write about their experience.
Florida Birds Of Prey Hotspots For Bird Watching
There are many places to bird watch in Florida, including many national parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife refuges.
These places often offer bird watching as well as environmental education and family-friendly environmental activities.
The most popular bird watching places in Florida include:
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
This sanctuary protects the habitat for many animals over 13,000 acres in southwest Florida.
Their efforts help protect many raptors, ducks, wood storks, and wading birds, amongst other animals.
Florida Everglades National Park
This national park protects manatees, crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds.
Bird watching is a popular activity in the park.
Fort DeSoto County Park
Protected lands include islands, coastal lands, and coastal waters in this park.
In addition to birdwatching, campers can enjoy dog parks, nature trails, canoe trails, and many other amenities.
Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area
Horned owls, eagles, and osprey can frequently be spotted along the beaches and in the trees at Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area.
This park also features beautiful white sand beaches.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Over 250 species of birds call this wildlife refuge home, including raptors, wading birds, waterfowl, marsh birds, and more.
Fishing, boating, hunting, and environmental education are also activities that are available through this wildlife refuge.
Florida Birds Of Prey Bird Watching Tips
Dealing With Aggressive Birds
Birds may become aggressive if you get too close to their nesting areas, especially if their next contains eggs or young. They may also become aggressive if you get too close to their food.
To best deal with aggressive birds, you should keep your distance from both their nests and their food.
Why Predatory Birds Attack People
Predatory birds may also attack if they think the people around them are a source of food. If these birds think that they can get their next meal from you they will try to get it.
Try to keep smelly food away from your person while bird watching so that predatory birds are less likely to seek you out.
Law About Nest Removal
In general, federal law protects nesting birds. People are not permitted to remove nests of migratory birds.
In fact, in most places it is against the law to touch, move, or remove any part of migratory birds’ nests unless a special permit has been granted.
Things Bird Watching Hosts Do To Protect The People From Bird Attacks
Bird watching hosts can protect their clients from bird attacks by being aware of nesting and feeding areas.
By avoiding these areas and giving birds plenty of space, people can watch birds safely from a distance.
Bird watching hosts should also be alert to warning signs of upset birds.
Birds of prey often make noticeable calls and defensive movements when they feel threatened, such as scratching.
If you hear these calls or see these movements, it’s best to avoid sudden or forward movements.
FAQs About Florida Birds Of Prey
Question 1: What type of hawks are in Florida?
There are numerous birds found living year-round in Florida and many more that migrate through Florida.
It is believed that there are fourteen different species of hawks living and migrating through Florida (floridanature.com).
Question 2: What is the biggest hawk in Florida?
The largest hawk that can be found in Florida is the Ferruginous Hawk.
These hawks grow up to 25 inches in length and have a wingspan of up to 56 inches or 4 ⅔ feet. They typically weigh over 3 pounds.
Question 3: Can a hawk pick up a small dog?
Many hawks are capable of picking up small animals, including cats and dogs that are considered pets.
These birds of prey do not differentiate between small house animals and small wild animals.
They are likely to pick up rodents, rabbits, cats, dogs, frogs, lizards, and other small animals.
Question 4: Is it illegal to shoot a hawk in Florida?
Hunters cannot shoot hawks as they are considered migratory birds, not game.
Hawks and owls are under federal protection, making it illegal to shoot them or interfere with their nests.
A special permit is required to relocate, capture, or shoot a hawk, and even then, only in very limited circumstances.
Question 5: How do I protect my small dogs from birds of prey?
There are many different ways that people can protect their small dogs from birds of prey.
The first way is to accompany the small dog anytime they go outside.
Birds of prey are less likely to pick up small dogs if their owners are close by.
If a bird of prey is nearby your small dog you should make loud noises and large arm movements to scare the bird away.
Another way to protect your small dog from a bird of prey is to purchase a vest specifically made for deterring coyotes and other larger predators.
