”It is a very aggressive predator, feeding on other birds such as pigeons, jays, and robins. This bird of prey has previously been described as “bloodthirsty. As a result, it’s possible to spot this bird even in urbanized areas of the country. Studies show that Cooper’s hawk is very adaptable to new habitats. To spot this mid-sized raptor, look around dense forests and open woodlands, but also around birdfeeders – where this creature’s prey often resides. Its habitat ranges from southern Canada all the way to Mexico, and they are very common birds of prey found in NC.Īlthough the bird breeds in the north and migrates in the south, it is found in North Carolina year-round, making birdwatching enthusiasts very happy. The Cooper’s hawk can be found throughout the country. Apart from fish, the bald eagle will feed on other birds, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. ![]() Since this powerful eagle can be found around water, it’s no surprise that fish comprise the biggest part of its diet. With a huge wingspan, this gorgeous raptor is difficult to miss! On top of that, this bird has dark brown feathers, a white tail, and strong, menacing talons. Despite its name, it is not actually bald, but it has a very distinguishable feature – a white head. In North Carolina, the famous eagle species can be found near large bodies of water, such as Jordan and Fall lakes. It lives in the entire North American continent, including Canada, Alaska, the US, and Mexico. Bald EaglesĪs the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle requires little introduction. However, if needed, they will also feast on rodents and reptiles. Speaking of prey, these raptors usually hunt sparrows, warbles, wrens, and other songbirds. However, at other times, they can be found in open forests and even the suburbs.Īs they often feed on smaller birds, they can be spotted near birdfeeders, where they wait for prey. Sharp-shinned hawks live in dense forests, especially during the breeding season. You can spot this hawk throughout the Americas by remembering its long tail, short wings, and slender legs that named them – and they live in North Carolina year-round. ![]() The tiniest hawk species and one of the smallest birds of prey in North Carolina, the sharp-shinned hawk, with a wingspan of up to 23 inches and an average weight of just 4oz.Īs is the case with most raptors, the female is larger than the male. However, like most other hawks, they occasionally feed on reptiles and other birds. Their diet mostly consists of rodents like mice, gophers, and chipmunks. Sometimes they can be spotted in the suburbs if there are trees around. They tend to live in open forests with plenty of opportunities to hunt. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to these beautiful birds is deforestation. ![]() Like its red-tailed companion, these birds can be seen year-round in North Carolina, choosing to go north to breed and south to winter. They are often confused with the aforementioned red-tailed hawk, though this bird of prey is significantly smaller. Red-shouldered HawksĪs the name suggests, the next raptor on our list is easily identified by its red shoulders – the red-shouldered hawk. ![]() They will eat small mammals such as rodents, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and even larger birds. The bird itself is pretty easy to identify – it is brown on the top, pale on the bottom, with a striking red tail by which they’re named.Īs for their diets, red-tailed hawks are highly opportunistic carnivores, which means that they aren’t picky when it comes to prey. They seem to have no preference for the environment they inhabit, and can be seen in urban areas, deserts, forests, and agricultural fields. These birds breed north of the United States borders, though they inhabit the entire continent, including North Carolina.Īs one of the most common aviators, they can be spotted throughout the state year-round. Due to its large breeding range, it is one of North America’s most commonly seen birds of prey. The first raptor bird on our list that you could find in North Carolina is the red-tailed hawk.
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