RAPTORS and OWLS of THE AMERICAS

American raptors tend to be less visible than those from Africa, and are generally sharply divided between those of North America and Central and South American species. There is some overlap because many hawks from the USA migrate south in winter, but with the exception of a few species found in the southern states few subtropical or tropical species are found beyond Mexico. New World vultures are a unique family, not closely related to other vultures, and similarly Caracaras, usually carrion feeders, are related to falcons and found only in the Americas. Owls are varied, some are found across the world, and North American owls are among the most photographed in the world, whereas many forest owls of South America are hard to find. Last updated April 2025.

California Condor Gymnogyps californianus Colorado 2022
A monotypic genus, its re-establishment in the wild is ongoing, and it is still listed as Critical, although the population is now over 550. Easily seen at one site, but all have a huge wing tag. Areas of re-introduction are remote, and the birds range widely but can be seen in coastal California.
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Venezuela 2002
A monotypic genus taxonomically "between" the two Condors, but quite widespread and common from S. Mexico to N. Argentina, the largest vulture, dominant at carcasses. It is primarily a lowland forest bird but will find carrion on open savannas, hunting mainly by sight.
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Chile 1990
Found throughout the Andes and Santa Marta mountains, although rare in Venezuela and Colombia, this Vulnerable species is only found at altitude, but will descend to sea-level in coastal areas to feed on carrion, hunting by sight and ranging over large areas.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Costa Rica 2022
A small vulture which is common from southeast USA to Central Chile, but scarcer at the extremes of its range. It tends to scavenge in groups, and has been known to take live prey, especially newborn livestock. It is a lowland species of many open habitats.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Costa Rica 2022
There were formerly three subspecies but it has been shown that variation is clinal, since there is a large weight difference between northern birds and those of tropical lowlands, which can be as much as 50% lighter.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura aura Baja 2008
Thought to have evolved from atratus, there are three Cathartes vultures, which have evolved a keen sense of smell, enabling them to find carcasses hidden from sight. They are almost exclusively scavengers, and usually solitary, although often other vultures will follow to a carcass.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura falklandicus Tierra del Fuego 2005
Larger than Black, with silver-grey flight feathers underwing. There are six subspecies, usually distinguishable, it is the most widespread vulture, from Canada to Tierra del Fuego, the Carribean and Falklands. Although solitary when scavenging, they form large communal roosts.
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus Brazil 2009
Found in two disjunct populations which are given subspecies status, it ranges south from Mexico and is found in wet grassland or swamps in the main. Smaller than Turkey Vulture but shares its ability to locate carcasses by smell, although sight is also used.
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus Brazil 2009
Split from Greater (which I haven't photographed) in the 1960's, it, and other Cathartes vultures, are often first at carcasses but have to wait for larger birds to open the animal. In "return" larger birds follow the Cathartes vultures, as they have little sense of smell.
Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii Costa Rica 2022
The smallest raptor in the Americas, reasonably common from Nicaragua to N.Argentina east of the Andes. It hunts mainly lizards from an open perch, and is expanding its range north, being absent from Costa Rica before the 1990's, and now found there relatively easily.
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Venezuela 2006
The American equivalent of Black-winged Kite patchily distributed from California to most of lowland South America. Solitary in the breeding season, the male feeds the female on the nest. Hunting (mainly rodents) is by hovering and they themselves are predated by larger raptors.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Texas 2018
Like a small sparrowhawk, widespread in USA and Canada, less in South America but there is much taxonomic debate. South American subspecies have been given full species status, but this is disputed, there is a proposal to split the island forms on Cuba, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
Chilean Hawk Astur chilensis Tierra del Fuego 2005
Found in Andean forests from central Chile and n.w. Argentina to Tierra del Fuego, this secretive species is not well studied, and is rare in many areas but not thought to be endangered. Formerly lumped with Bicolored Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk Astur cooperii Baja California 2008
Another forest species found from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Populations are stable, and although breeding in every US state (except Alaska), it also migrates south and ranges far beyond its breeding areas. Again secretive, flight views are the norm.
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius Texas 2018
A typical Harrier, once considered conspecific with Hen Harrier. Breeds in Canada and most of the USA, migrating as far as the northern tip of South America. It also winters on Carribean Islands. There are several records of vagrancy to the UK and Ireland.
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius Michigan 2018
Preferring open habitats especially swamps and other wetlands, this species is welcome on farmland since it doesn't take chickens etc, most of its diet being rodents. It will also steal food from other species, notably Short-eared owl.
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni Argentina 2005
Two Harriers populate South America, Cinereous I haven't photographed but it is similar to Northern. Long-winged is found in much of Eastern S. America in mainly grassland areas. Its range doesn't overlap Cinereous, but it is wide ranging and vagrants have occured in the Falklands.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Michigan 2018
Common (overall) from Alaska to northwest Mexico, there are two subspecies of this well-known sea-eagle. It is found in many habitats connected to water, as fish is the main prey. However, they will take other birds, sometimes mammals and frequently scavenge.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Michigan 2018
Restricted in the 1950's to Alaska, nw. Canada and Florida, northern birds are migratory and by 2018 had bred in every one of the lower 48 states. There is evidence of vagrancy, two Irish and a disputed record on Anglesey. The first, in 1973, was shot and misidentified as White-tailed.
Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis North Carolina 2017
A not uncommon species whose breeding range in the southern Great Plains is expanding, birds now being recorded in many southern states. Strongly migratory, usually in small flocks, to southern Brazil and northern Argentina.
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Brazil 2009
Related to the previous species, from Mexico to most of Northern South America, it is a migrant in the north and south of its ranges, although more solitary. Like its relative, it preys mainly on insects taken in flight, but will prey opportunistically on most small animals.
Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens Venezuela 2006
A monotypic genus similar to the Gymnogenes, but this is an example of convergent evolution. Six subspecies range over Central America and northern South America, with quite a variation in plumage. Quite rare in some countries, it seems nowhere common but not threatened.
Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Costa Rica 2022
This species has a similar range to the previous one, but is not related, and seemingly far commoner. Usually found near water, preying on fish and small reptiles etc., it is again a monotypic genus.
Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Venezuela 2006
The main habitats are lowland forest and swamps, but it will breed near human habitation, and is generally quite approachable. There are two subspecies, leucocephalus found in Paraguay, Uruguay and n. Argentina.
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Brazil 2009
Reasonably common from Florida and the Caribbean to tropical S. America, it only occurs where Apple Snails are available, as they make up over 95% of its prey, and the species is adapted to feed on them. Southern populations are migratory, and Caribbean birds wander in winter.
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Costa Rica 2022
Birds in the Everglades (subspecies plumbeus) were endangered until a larger, invasive Apple Snail species began to flourish, when they rapidly evolved larger bodies and bills. It seems that the populations in breeding areas fluctuate with the numbers of snails.
Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Costa Rica 2022
Four subspecies of Common Black Hawk are found in (mainly) coastal regions of warmer parts of the Americas, inhabiting mangrove swamps, esuaries and nearby woodland. Crabs and Crayfish are its main food sources, but it will take insects and other small animals.
Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Venezuela 2006
Although in the same genus this bird is not restricted to coastal areas, but is found in grassland and open savanna areas from Panama south. It hunts a variety of small animals and also large insects, and often attends burnt areas in some numbers.
Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Argentina 2005
A large hawk, its long legs and upright stance aid hunting in grasslands, but it usually sits on a high perch and swoops down. This adult bird was perched on a pylon in the Pampas. The rat remains unidentified.
Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Brazil 2009
Two subspecies of Great Black Hawk occur from Mexico to northern Argentina, usually coastally but also inland near bodies of water. Far less specific in food requirements than the similar Common Black Hawk, it takes mainly reptiles, but has been seen predating Hoatzin nests.
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Venezuela 2006
Of similar distribution to the previous species, this is usually the commonest raptor in a given area, and is found in almost all habitats except dense rainforests, including urban. It is a perch hunter, taking many small animals from insects to marmosets, but rarely takes birds.
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Costa Rica 2022
Originally a Buteo, it is much smaller than most, so has been assigned its own monotypic genus. No less than twelve subspecies have been described, the basic colour of the plumage varies from greyish to rufous. A distinctive character is its large bill.
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Texas 2018
Found in sparse woodland and semi-desert from s.USA to Chile and Argentina, unique in that its hunting and breeding strategy is usually in groups of 2-7 birds with a dominant female. Not uncommon but in decline due to habitat loss, there is evidence of tolerance to urban areas..
White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis Venezuela 2006
We have had little experience of this beautiful species as despite its widespread range from Mexico to Amazonia it is uncommon, although not thought to be endangered. There are five subspecies, but two are apparently genetically closer to Grey-backed Hawk.
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Chile 1990
Common in open habitats in western and southern South America, including the Falkland Islands. There are four subspecies, at least three of which have been given specific status at some time, but the bird's polymorhic plumage makes the true picture difficult.
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
This distinctive looking hawk is found in mountainous or hilly terrain with sparse vegetation, or Nothofagus forest, where it spends a lot of time soaring in thermals looking for prey.There are two suspecies divided by lowland habitats west of the Andes.
Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus Texas 2017
This small Buteo was formerly lumped with the next species, and both were placed in the genus Asturina. It is found primarily in Central America, with a small number breeding in Arizona and Texas, normally on forest or river edges.
Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus Texas 2017
Birds in the north are migrate south in the non-breeding season, they are fairly common in Arizona and Texas, feeding mainly on snakes and lizards in brushy areas, although other small animals and insects may be taken. Juvenile plumage is very different to aid concealment.
Grey-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus Costa Rica 2022
A controversial split, the southern equivalent of Grey Hawk, found as far south as Argentina, and also on Trinidad. Differences are slight and include alarm calls. The IOC spelling is "grey", perhaps because it was originally described by a German.
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
A bird of deciduous and mixed forest, breeding in southern Canada and eastern USA, well known for migrating in large flocks to winter from Florida to southern Brazil. There are five subspecies other than the nominate, which live on different Carribean islands and do not migrate.
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
A forest species of the eastern USA to Mexico, with a California coastal population. At one time one of the commonest raptors, it has suffered declines due to habitat loss but is now stable. There are five subspecies which can differ markedly in colouration, some are migratory.
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Breeding in prairie and dry grasslands in western North America, a long-distance migrant as far as southern Argentina. Birds migrate in flocks and some wintering birds continually wander, some stay in winter quarters all year.
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni
There are two colour morphs, although most of the birds we have seen have been light. Prey when breeding consists of mainly small rodents and birds, but wintering birds show a marked preference for large insects, although they are quite large, overlapping with Red-tailed Hawk in size.
Galapagos Hawk Buteo galapagoensis
In evolutionary terms a very new species, evolved from Swainson's Hawk, it is listed as Vulnerable. There may be as few as 150 pairs, and it has been lost from some islands, whereas it was abundant and tame when first discovered.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis fuertesi California 2000
Common and widespread from Alaska to the West Indies, N. America's "Buzzard". The ultimate generalist, in terms of habitat and prey, this has ensured it will almost always be seen on any trip to the USA, albeit in a wide variety of plumages.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis borealis North Carolina 2017
The original type-specimen was from Jamaica, there are currently thirteen subspecies, but that is constantly in a state of flux. "Krider's" Hawk has gone, birds on Socorro Island have recently been afforded subspecies staus. This is a typical pale-phase bird.
Ferruginous-hawk Buteo regalis California 1988
The largest Buteo in the Americas and possibly the world (Upland Buzzard overlaps), it is only found in the western parts of North America, and usually only in arid, open areas. Once rare, it has recovered in numbers in recent years and is now of Least Concern.
Ferruginous-hawk Buteo regalis Colorado 2022
Two colour morphs occur, but we have never seen a dark phase bird. Many forms of hunting are employed and it is able to hover. Main prey in the breeding season is rodents, prairie-dogs in particular. Birds such as Meadowlarks and Horned Larks are taken, but corvids and owls also.
Crested Caracara Caracara plancus cheriway Arizona 2022
Not closely related to Accipitridine raptors, Caracaras are scavengers or kleptoparasites, but may also take small live prey such as reptiles. Formerly treated as two Polyborus species, it is now one monotypic genus with two subspecies.
Southern Caracara Caracara plancus plancus Brazil 2009
The two subspecies together are found over the whole of the Americas south of the Southern USA, except Amazonia and the Andes. Southern Caracara appears different, and the overlap zone is small, the two species theory could be resurrected.
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
Found from Nicaragua and Caribbean Islands to Argentina, except Chile, there are two non-migratory subspecies. Again primarily a scavenger, but takes a wide range of smaller animals mostly by walking on the ground. They sometimes also fly to hunt but are very approachable.
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
The sexes are similar, but juveniles more closely resemble their close relatives, Chimangos.They will land on larger mammals such as capybara to feed on ticks and other parasites. Thought to be increasing, birds wander and colonise new areas.
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango
Thriving in much of southern South America where it is the commonest raptor, it is very much a generalist. Less dependent on scavenging and found in many habitats, it hunts usually by foraging in flight. Intelligent and unafraid of humans.
White-throated Caracara Phalcoboenus albogularis
There are four Phalcoboenus caracaras, of which three form a superspecies. Split from Mountain Caracara, it is a common bird in southern Chile and Argentina, on mountain slopes, Nothofagus forest, open woodland, and dense scrublands. Populations are stable.
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Venezuela 2006
Widespread in Central and northern South America, this is a monotypic genus related to Forest Falcons. A lowland species, avoiding dense forest, its main prey is snakes which are hunted from a perch, and the name comes from its call.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Colorado 2022
Found in most of the Americas, seventeen subspecies have been described. Not closely related to Eurasian Kestrels, it is the smallest and commonest Falco in the Americas, filling a broad ecological niche everywhere except dense forest.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Michigan 2018
Unlike "our" Kestrel, the main means of hunting is from a roadside perch or wire. They sometimes hover, but it is a secondary activity. When not breeding birds will often move to different feeding areas if prey is scarce. Subspecies show a wide variation of plumages.
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Chile 1990
Found over the whole of South America except the Amazon Basin, birds become rarer towards the north, and despite reintroduction schemes in Texas and New Mexico it has not become re-established. The Mexican population is very small, as are all Central American populations.
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Argentina 2005
Somewhat smaller than a Peregrine there are three subspecies, one restricted to the Andes. They primarily hunt birds, and insects on the wing, and large females have been known to take birds as large as a Cattle Egret.
Merlin Falco columbarius columbarius Michigan 2018
Found across the world, with nine subspecies, this small falcon migrates south in winter, as in the UK. Taxonomy is an enigma, and it is surely not long before North American birds are split. I have never managed a decent photo in the UK.
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis Venezuela 2006
A small falcon from tropical areas of Central and South America, it has three subspecies, and is closely related to Aplomado and the extremely similar Orange-breasted Falcon, which is much rarer. Mainly sedentary, juveniles are prone to wandering, there is a record from Texas.
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis Venezuela 2006
Hunting from high open perches, most prey is taken in flight. Despite the name, bats are only a small part of the diet, although some pairs seem to specialise in them. Birds are favoured, and invertebrates when breeding to feed young.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus cassini Chile 1990
Peregrines occur throughout the world, with some eighteen subspecies and much plumage variation. There have been attempts at splits, this race once included kreyenborgi, known as Pallid Falcon and mooted as a split. It is merely a leucistic form.
Elf Owl Micrathene whitneyi Arizona 2021
The world's smallest owl, a monotypic genus of three extant subspecies ranging from Southwest USA to southern Mexico The US populations are migratory, but natural nest-holes such as saguaro, are becoming less, many have adapted to telegraph poles.
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia cunicularia Argentina 2005
Although related to Little Owl, it is almost exclusively restricted to open, dry areas with low vegetation, in much of western North America and South America. The burrows used for breeding are often taken over from Prairie-dogs and other species, sometimes constructed themselves.
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea California March 2018
There are 16 extant subspecies, several being found in Florida and the Carribean. Usually preying on insects and occasional reptiles or birds, up to the size of the owl itself, on the ground, although we have seen them hovering to locate prey.
Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium californicum Washington State 2000
Almost endemic to western USA with a foothold in northern Mexico, four subspecies are described. Diurnal and crepuscular, hunting small birds, mammals and large insects, they often sit high in trees swooping down to hunt, but do move perch frequently.
Mountain Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma Arizona 2022
All pygmy owls are closely related, and three former subspecies have been afforded species status by the IOC. This occurs from SW Arizona to Central Mexico, and although the split isn't accepted by the AOU, is restricted to higher elevations and has very diofferent calls.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Brazil 2009
Probably the most widespread and common Pygmy Owl, from southern USA to Argentina, where it is replaced by Austral Pygmy which was formerly included in brasilianum. Birds are uncommon in the USA, mainly in Arizona and Texas
Pacific Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum Chile 1990
Another split from brasilianum, in 1991, originally known as Peruvian. It was later determined that the species ranges from Ecuador to northern Chile on the west side of the Andes, and is reasonably common. It is fairly tolerant of urban environments.
Austral Pygmy Owl Glaucidium nana Tierra del Fuego 2005
Originally given the name when it was first decsribed in 1843, a second subspecies was described in 1912, effectively extending the range to include Albertine Rift montane forests and parts of northern Kenya, it is difficult to see anywhere despite being relatively common.
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus suinda Chile 1990
One of three mainland South American subspecies, this bird was photographed in Patagonia. Plumage differences are slight, it does tend to be darker but this is accentuated by the backlit photograph. The Galapagos race is the most differentiated, and may be a good species.
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Brazil 2009
Fifteen subspecies of this common Eagle-Owl are found throughout the Americas. They are sedentary and tolerant of most habitats, although they are absent from the Amazon basin and the Andes. Closely related to Eurasian Eagle-owl, although smaller and more often seen in daylight.
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Colorado 2022
The plumage is very variable in colour, probably a camouflage strategy in varying habitats. Their prey is similarly varied, mainly rabbits and hares but basically anything they can catch, including birds. Despite the size difference they will hunt Great Grey Owls.
Lesser Horned Owl Bubo magellanicus Chile 1990
Formerly known as Magellanic Owl, this smaller bird was split some years ago, and replaces Great Horned from central Peru to Tierra del Fuego. In most aspects similar, birds tend to be greyer and have shorter ear tufts.. It is a crepuscular hunter, mainly in open country
Whiskered Screech Owl Megascops trichopsis Arizona 2018
Several species of Screech Owl in the Americas are in the genus Megascops. This, slightly smaller than Western, is found in dense coniferous or oak woodlands, and has a limited range from Arizona and New Mexico to Nicaragua, mainly at higher elevations. Strictly nocturnal.
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Venezuela 2006
A widespread neotropical owl found east of the Andes from Costa Rica to northern Argentina, plus Trinidad and Tobago. Two colour morphs have great variation in colour, but always have a black edge to the facial disc. Found in many habitats but rarely dense forest.
Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii Arizona 2022
Commonly found in open woodland from western Canada to Costa Rica, it occurs in several colour variations but is basically grey, no less than nine subspecies have been described. Both this and Eastern are often seen at or near their nest holes in daylight.
Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio Ohio 2018
Formerley lumped with Western and closely related. Five subspecies have a smaller range in the east, from just in to Canada to northeastern Mexico. A wide range of habitats are employed, and many birds live in close proximity to urban settings. Areas with larger owls are avoided.
Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio Ohio 2018
There are two distinct colour morphs, grey and rufous. They show little variation, although the race in Florida often has browner tones in its plumage. Pairs are often the same morph, but can be mixed as in the rufous bird here which was guarding a grey female and chicks.
Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Venezuela 2006
A large owl, primarily of tropical rainforests, or cloud forest as in Costa Rica. Six subspecies, from s. Mexico to ne. Argentina vary in plumage detail and size but are all basically the familiar striking pattern. The subspecies pulsatrix has been mooted as a split.