Birds of Prey: Meet These Mighty Raptors Up Close

Wonder what’s soaring in the sky? It might be a bird of prey. These fierce hunters are more common than you think—and play a vital role in keeping rodent populations in check. Below, explore photos and facts about common raptors, based on my recent up-close experience.

As an editor at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, I had the rare opportunity to meet four live birds of prey during a demonstration by the Indiana Raptor Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of sick or injured raptors. To see these creatures up close, perched on a gloved hand, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

What Are Birds of Prey?

Birds of prey (or “raptors”) are predatory birds that kill their food—with their feet! Their toes end in sharp, curved talons, which help them grab and dispatch prey quickly and efficiently. Some even have a channel down the back of each talon to help their prey bleed out more rapidly—a harsh but effective survival tool that ensures a fast end.

These birds are fast, strong, and specialized hunters. Read on to meet four fascinating raptors that may be flying right above your head.

1. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

The American kestrel is a master mouse hunter! Also called the sparrow hawk, it’s is the smallest falcon in North America—but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in agility and speed. These striking birds prey on small birds, insects, mice, and even cicadas.

What fascinated me most was their ability to hover in place midair, locking eyes on their prey before diving. To help avoid becoming prey themselves, kestrels have dark markings on the back of their heads that look like false eyes, tricking larger predators.

2. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

The Eastern screech-owl was smaller and more compact than I imagined—almost like a feathered pinecone. These owls are silent night hunters, aided by fringed wings that muffle the sound of flight. Their hearing is remarkable—up to 100 times more sensitive than ours—allowing them to detect a mouse moving in total darkness.

They also have little tufts on their heads that resemble ears but aren’t. Naturalists think these tufts break up the circular shape of their head to better camouflage them against bark. Unlike some owls, they don’t hoot—they make a soft trilling or tremolo sound that I realized I’ve heard before but assumed was an insect.

Hear the screech-owl’s call. You may recognize it!

3. Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

This was one of the most surprising birds I encountered. Native to the Southwest deserts, Harris’s hawks are known for their intelligence and social behavior—traits rare among raptors. They hunt in groups, nest cooperatively, and even “stack” on top of each other to get a better vantage point while scanning for prey.

The Harris’s hawk I met was clearly bonded with her handler. She sat calmly on a leather glove, making a soft, purring noise—almost like a contented cat. I had no idea raptors could be so expressive.

4. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

This one may be familiar—you’ve likely seen red-tailed hawks soaring overhead, especially near highways or open fields. With a wingspan of over four feet and gripping pressure of 200 psi, they’re powerful hunters that feed on rats, rabbits, snakes, and other small animals.

They’re sometimes called “chickenhawks,” but this is unfair. In reality, they rarely attack poultry unless they’re young, starving, or desperate. Their main role is as a top-notch rodent control system, patrolling farmlands and woodlots.

I was amazed to learn that it’s illegal to kill a bird of prey—and for good reason. They’re federally protected, and harming one can result in a $250,000 fine and prison time.

Tip: If you raise chickens or ducks, simply close up the coop at night and use overhead netting or poultry wire if daytime attacks persist.

Why “Birds of Prey” Matter

Birds of prey aren’t just cool—they’re critical to the ecosystem. Consider this: If one rat causes $14 in crop damage per year, and a pair of red-tailed hawks eats 400 rats in a season, that’s $5,600 in damage prevented.

All that, just by leaving up a tall tree for hawks to nest in.

These raptors help us manage pests, protect crops, and preserve balance in nature. After seeing them up close, I have a renewed appreciation for the silent work they do above our heads every single day.

What Raptors Have You Seen?

Have you ever spotted a red-tailed hawk circling above, or heard the eerie trill of a screech-owl at night? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about the birds of prey in your area.