Virginia is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, ranging from large eagles to small falcons. Some of the most notable and common raptors found in the state include the bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, osprey, peregrine falcon, and barred owl.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is one of the most iconic birds of prey in Virginia and the United States. As the national symbol of the country, bald eagles hold a special place in the state. Bald eagles are large raptors, with wingspans up to 7 feet wide. They have distinctive brown bodies and bright white heads and tails. Bald eagles live near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas where they feed primarily on fish, but will also take birds, mammals, and carrion. The number of bald eagles in Virginia has been on the rise for the last few decades since the banning of the pesticide DDT in 1972. They nest in tall trees and lay 1-3 eggs per year. Bald eagles can be found across the state of Virginia year round.
Key Facts
- Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Length: 28-37 inches
- Wingspan: 6-7 feet
- Weight: 8-14 pounds
- Diet: Fish, waterfowl, small mammals
- Range in Virginia: Statewide
Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most widespread and common hawks in Virginia. They can be found in open areas throughout the state. Red-tailed hawks are large, stocky raptors with broad, rounded wings and short, fan-like tails. As their name suggests, they are easily identified by their reddish-brown tails. The rest of their plumage can range from dark brown to light morphs. Red-tailed hawks are versatile predators that hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians by soaring through the air and swooping down on prey. Their loud, piercing screams are a familiar sound to many. Red-tailed hawks adapt readily to living near humans and can often be seen perched on telephone poles, fences, or trees.
Key Facts
- Species: Buteo jamaicensis
- Length: 18-25 inches
- Wingspan: 48-57 inches
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
- Range in Virginia: Statewide
Osprey
With their large wingspans and striking white heads, ospreys are an impressive sight as they dive into waterways around Virginia to catch fish. Ospreys are medium-large raptors that live along coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the state. They build large stick nests high up in dead trees or manmade structures. Ospreys feed almost exclusively on live fish that they catch by swooping down and plunging feet-first into the water. Their specially adapted feet and curved talons help them grip slippery fish. Though they were once endangered by DDT, osprey numbers have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. They are now a common sight again circling over Virginia waterways.
Key Facts
- Species: Pandion haliaetus
- Length: 21-24 inches
- Wingspan: 59-70 inches
- Weight: 3-4 pounds
- Diet: Fish
- Range in Virginia: Coastal areas, rivers, lakes
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph during its characteristic hunting stoop. In Virginia, peregrine falcons can be found near mountain cliffs, tall bridges, and coastal areas where they nest and hunt other birds. They were nearly wiped out due to pesticide poisoning in the mid-20th century. After significant conservation efforts, peregrine falcons have rebounded and can be found nesting in several locations in Virginia. Peregrines have slate-blue-gray plumage on their backs and wings, with lighter undersides and distinctive black facial markings. Watching peregrines swoop down to catch other birds in mid-air is an exciting sight.
Key Facts
- Species: Falco peregrinus
- Length: 15-20 inches
- Wingspan: 39-43 inches
- Weight: 1.5-2.5 pounds
- Diet: Other birds
- Range in Virginia: Coastal areas, mountains, cities
Barred Owl
The barred owl is a common forest-dwelling owl that can be found across Virginia. They get their name from the distinctive brown and white horizontal barring pattern on their chest and wings. Barred owls have large, round heads without ear tufts and dark brown eyes. They perch silently high up in mature forests, watching for small animals moving beneath the trees. Barred owls will hunt mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. At night, the loud calls of barred owls – “who cooks for you?” – echo through the woods. Seeing a barred owl perched in a tree in the daytime is a special treat for birdwatchers.
Key Facts
- Species: Strix varia
- Length: 17-24 inches
- Wingspan: 38-49 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish
- Range in Virginia: Statewide
Other Birds of Prey in Virginia
In addition to the major raptor species highlighted above, there are over a dozen other birds of prey that can be found in the skies or forests of Virginia. Some of the other notable ones include:
- Great Horned Owl
- Eastern Screech Owl
- Northern Harrier
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Northern Goshawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Broad-winged Hawk
- American Kestrel
- Merlin
- Short-eared Owl
- Barn Owl
- Long-eared Owl
This variety of raptors demonstrates the diversity of avian predators that have adapted to habitats across Virginia, from coast to mountains. Each species fills an ecological niche preying on different kinds of animals.
Ideal Habitats to Spot Birds of Prey in Virginia
Virginia offers many excellent locations to spot birds of prey in action. Here are some top habitats and spots:
- Coastline – See ospreys and peregrine falcons diving for fish.
- Rivers – Bald eagles nest along major rivers like the James River.
- Mountains – Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs in the Appalachians.
- Forests – Barred and great horned owls hunt in mature forests.
- Marshes – Northern harriers cruise over open marshes.
- Fields – Red-tailed hawks scan for prey from perches.
- Cities – Peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks live in urban areas.
Specific locations to see raptors include Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the coast, Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and parks along the James River and Potomac River.
Threats Facing Virginia’s Birds of Prey
While many birds of prey have made comebacks in Virginia, there are still threats facing these raptors that need to be addressed through continued conservation efforts. Some of the main threats include:
- Habitat loss – Development, logging, and pollution degrades the forests, marshes, and coastlines birds rely on.
- Disturbance of nest sites – Human activity near nests can disrupt breeding and rearing of chicks.
- Collisions – Glass windows, wind turbines, cars and more kill birds.
- Poisons – Pesticides and lead ammunition can accumulate in bodies of raptors.
- Climate change – Rising sea levels and increased storms threaten coastal habitats.
Ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting habitats, managing human disturbance, reducing collisions, eliminating dangerous chemicals, and addressing climate change can help safeguard Virginia’s raptors.
Raptor Conservation Success Stories
Through dedicated human effort, some birds of prey have made remarkable recoveries in Virginia and across the country. These raptor conservation success stories give hope for the future:
- Bald Eagle: Ravaged by DDT poisoning in the 20th century, bald eagle populations have rebounded significantly since the pesticide was banned.
- Peregrine Falcon: Also hurt by DDT, peregrine falcons have been successfully reintroduced to breeding sites across Virginia.
- Osprey: Conservation of wetland habitats and nesting platforms has helped osprey numbers grow.
Continued monitoring and protection can help make more comeback stories possible for Virginia’s raptors.
Conclusion
From the regal bald eagle to the mysterious barred owl, birds of prey come in many shapes and sizes in Virginia. Raptors fill crucial roles in local ecosystems by regulating prey species as top predators. They inspire awe and beauty as they soar through the skies and forests of the state. With ongoing conservation efforts, these special birds will continue hunting across Virginia for generations to come.