Here in the wide open spaces of Montana, it is common to see raptors riding thermals high in the sky, perched on utility poles and tall trees, surveying the land around them, or hunting in their preferred habitats. Simply put, raptors are birds of prey. The name comes from the Latin term for grasp, or seize, as these birds are avid hunters known for using their powerful legs and talons to catch their prey. We are lucky to have many kinds of raptors living in our varied Montana ecosystems, each with their own diets, preferred landscapes, flight patterns, and characteristics. While some raptorial birds feast on rodents and other small animals, others prefer fish, sometimes even other small birds. Hooked beaks and talons with incredible grip strength, keen eyesight, and sharp hearing are a few of many features that make these birds amazing hunters. The category of raptors houses hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. Let’s break it down a little further.

Bald Eagle
These large birds have been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and their eye-catching colors can make them easier to spot than other raptors. Most people recognize their white heads and contrasting chocolate-brown bodies, and, depending on how close they are, or if you have a good pair of binoculars, you can see their bright yellow beaks, too. These birds can often be seen soaring solo or in pairs, or somewhere close to water. Bald Eagles are fond of making their nests, which can be quite large, high up in cottonwood trees near rivers and streams, where they have access to a steady stream of food. Bald Eagles are much larger than other raptors and can have a wing span ranging from five to seven feet long, and can weigh up to 12 pounds.

American Goshawk
The American Goshawk is an accipiter hawk – a type of hawk with short, wide wings and a long tail. This body composition makes these hawks fast and agile, and able to quickly and expertly navigate thickly forested areas. They are identified by their often grey coloring, and white stripes over their eyes that resemble eyebrows. American Goshawks are the wilder relatives of more suburban hawks, like Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp Shinned Hawks.   

Cooper’s Hawk
These smaller raptors are fond of pine forests and urban areas, where they swoop swiftly through the trees in pursuit of food and other birds. Cooper’s Hawks are generally crow-sized, and can sometimes be unwelcome guests at backyard bird feeders, where they like to hunt songbirds. While these hawks are typically quite common, they are stealthy and are often confused with Sharp Shinned Hawks, so spotting them means keeping an eye out and knowing what you’re looking for – slower wing beats, and a rounder body shape. They often have a white tip on their tails.

Golden Eagle
These massive raptors, one of the largest, have nearly seven-foot wing spans, and can be seen soaring over grasslands and prairies looking for small mammal prey. The golden feathers on the back of their necks give them their name, and gleam against the mostly solid brown feathers on the rest of their bodies. They have rather small heads, long tails, and even longer wing spans. Unlike most other raptors, Golden Eagles have feathered legs, all the way to their toes.

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owls are notable predators, known to take down prey even larger than themselves. They are common throughout much of North America and can be seen in many different habitats, from deserts and wetlands to cities and backyards. Long tufted feathers resemble ears, and add an intimidating air to their large yellow eyes and piercing gaze. These owls have short, broad wings that allow them to fly swiftly through trees, and very soft feathers that muffle sound, allowing them to travel silently in search of prey.

Osprey
These fish-eating raptors are very common in Western Montana; they can be seen pretty much anywhere there is ample water for fishing. They are white from below, with darker brown coloring down much of their top and backsides. These avid fishing birds like to hover over the water before diving feet-first for fish. Look for Osprey high up in trees or on platforms, scanning for fish or perched in their notoriously scraggly nests.

Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcons have been sought after by falconers for many, many years for their ability to dive onto prey from great heights at great speeds – sometimes up to 200 mph! Long, pointed  grey wings and what many birders call a “helmet” head help identify this deft raptor. In the 20th century, Peregrine Falcons were virtually extinct in North America due to pesticide poisoning in their food supply, but after hugely successful conservation efforts, they are now a much more common sight.

Prairie Falcon
This raptor is a lover of sagebrush prairies and open grasslands. Unlike its relative, the Peregrine Falcon, it is rarely found near water. Prairie Falcons seem to be always moving, so spotting one means a quick eye  – their sandy brown bodies and white bellies blend almost seamlessly into the landscapes they call home, creating an additional challenge to spotting these low-flying falcons.

Barn Owl
These pale colored, nocturnal raptors are known for longer bodies and their white, heart-shaped faces. Their long, powerful legs make them excellent hunters in open fields. These owls have excellent night vision for scanning open areas in the dark; however, their hearing is so keen they can find prey in complete darkness, even under cover of vegetation and snow. Unlike the “hoot” of other owls, Barn Owls have a distinctive, rather raspy screech that can be heard late at night.

Red Tailed Hawk
One of Montana’s most common and easily spotted hawks is the Red Tailed Hawk. With a distinctive red to orange tail, square head, and identifiable cry, Red Tailed Hawks can be seen perched up high, surveying the land around them, or soaring on thermals.

There are many amazing birds in the raptor family; this list reflects just a few of the birds of prey we see here in both the wildlands and more suburban areas of Montana. As apex predators, these birds help keep prey populations in check, which, if left to their own devices, could have a negative impact on vegetation and other creatures. Many ornithologists consider raptors to be wonderful bio-indicators, meaning their presence in an ecosystem denotes the overall balance and health of that area. Let the many raptors of Montana be a sign that our wildlands, which still require conservation and protection, are thriving.