22 Alaska birds of prey
Alaska is home to some of the most powerful birds of prey in the world. From soaring eagles to stealthy owls and high-speed falcons, these raptors rule the skies.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just curious about wildlife, learning about these incredible hunters will give you a new appreciation for Alaska’s natural beauty.
In this guide, we’ll explore 22 birds of prey found in Alaska, their unique traits, and where you might spot them in the wild. Let’s dive in!
1. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most recognizable raptors in North America. Known for its piercing scream and reddish tail, it thrives in open areas and forests, soaring majestically in search of prey. These adaptable hunters play a crucial role in controlling small mammal populations.
Key Points:
Commonly found in open areas, forests, and along highways.
Feeds primarily on rodents, birds, and reptiles.
Recognized by its distinctive reddish tail and broad wings.
2. Sharp-shinned Hawk
This small, agile hawk is a master of stealth, known for its ability to maneuver through dense forests to ambush prey. Despite its size, it is a fierce predator, often targeting songbirds and small mammals.
Key Points:
Primarily hunts songbirds in dense forested areas.
Identified by its long tail and small, compact body.
Known for its incredible speed and precision during hunts.
3. Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful forest predator with a reputation for aggression and skill. Its ability to navigate through dense trees at high speeds makes it a formidable hunter.
Key Points:
Prefers mature forests for hunting and nesting.
Feeds on medium-sized mammals and birds.
Recognizable by its slate-gray body and striking red eyes.
4. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a graceful bird of prey known for its low, gliding flight over marshes and grasslands. Its owl-like facial disc helps it hunt by sound as well as sight.
Key Points:
Distinctive white rump patch visible during flight.
Primarily preys on small mammals and birds.
Prefers open habitats like marshlands and grasslands.
5. Rough-legged Hawk
Adapted to cold climates, the Rough-legged Hawk is a winter visitor to Alaska’s tundra. It is known for its feathered legs, which provide warmth during frigid weather.
Key Points:
Feeds on rodents and small mammals in tundra regions.
Recognized by its hovering flight while hunting.
Displays a light or dark morph depending on plumage coloration.
6. Osprey
The Osprey, also called the “fish hawk,” is a skilled hunter of aquatic prey. Found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, it is known for its unique ability to dive feet-first into water.
Key Points:
Diet consists almost entirely of fish.
Builds large stick nests near water bodies.
Recognized by its dark eye stripe and distinctive wing shape.
7. Great Horned Owl
This nocturnal predator is a powerful and adaptable hunter. Known for its ear tufts and haunting hoots, the Great Horned Owl is a dominant force in Alaska’s ecosystems.
Key Points:
Preys on a wide range of animals, including other raptors.
Recognized by its ear-like tufts and yellow eyes.
Commonly found in forests, wetlands, and even urban areas.
8. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a forest-dwelling raptor known for its distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you?” It is a generalist predator, preying on small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Key Points:
Prefers mature forests with nearby water sources.
Hunts primarily at night but occasionally during the day.
Identified by its barred plumage and large, dark eyes.
9. Western Screech-Owl
Small and elusive, the Western Screech-Owl is known for its camouflaging plumage and nocturnal habits. It hunts insects, small mammals, and even fish in wooded areas.
Key Points:
Recognizable by its trilling call at night.
Blends seamlessly into tree bark due to its plumage.
Nests in tree cavities and often reuses old woodpecker holes.
10. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a striking white bird that thrives in Alaska’s Arctic tundra. It is highly adapted to cold climates and is a key predator of small rodents like lemmings.
Key Points:
Males are mostly white, while females have dark speckling.
Hunts during the day, unlike many other owls.
Prefers open tundra and coastal regions for nesting.
11. Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl is one of the tallest owl species, though its fluffy plumage conceals a relatively light frame. It is a silent hunter, relying on its exceptional hearing to locate prey beneath snow and vegetation.
Key Points:
Prefers dense boreal forests and open meadows.
Hunts primarily small mammals, especially voles.
Recognized by its large facial disc and piercing yellow eyes.
12. Northern Saw-whet Owl
This tiny owl is known for its distinctive high-pitched call that often echoes through forests at night. Despite its small size, it is a skilled predator of mice and other small mammals.
Key Points:
Primarily nocturnal, often roosting in dense vegetation during the day.
Identified by its small size and reddish-brown plumage.
Nests in tree cavities, frequently using abandoned woodpecker holes.
13. Northern Pygmy-Owl
Small but fearless, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is an active daytime hunter. Despite its diminutive stature, it is a formidable predator that can take down birds and mammals larger than itself.
Key Points:
Found in open woodlands and forest edges.
Known for its “false eyes” – dark spots on the back of its head.
Often perches conspicuously, scanning for prey during the day.
14. Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl is a shy and nocturnal bird that thrives in Alaska’s boreal forests. Its haunting call can often be heard on cold, clear nights in its woodland habitat.
Key Points:
Prefers mature forests with abundant tree cavities for nesting.
Feeds primarily on small mammals, especially voles.
Recognizable by its white facial disc outlined with a dark border.
15. Northern Hawk Owl
This unique owl behaves more like a hawk, being active during the day and hunting from perches. It is commonly found in open woodlands and tundra regions across Alaska.
Key Points:
Hunts rodents and small birds by sight, even in daylight.
Recognized by its long tail and hawk-like silhouette.
Nests in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes.
16. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a ground-nesting species often seen flying low over grasslands and tundra. Its erratic flight resembles that of a moth, aiding its stealth while hunting.
Key Points:
Hunts rodents and small mammals, often during twilight hours.
Recognizable by its yellow eyes and subtle ear tufts.
Prefers open habitats like grasslands, wetlands, and tundra.
17. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a legendary raptor known for its incredible speed during hunting dives, reaching up to 240 mph. This iconic bird often nests on cliffs or man-made structures.
Key Points:
Feeds primarily on birds captured in mid-air.
Recognized by its slate-gray back and distinctive facial markings.
Prefers nesting sites near water and open areas.
18. American Kestrel
The American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, is known for its colorful plumage and agile hunting style. It often perches in open areas, scanning for insects and small prey.
Key Points:
Hunts insects, small mammals, and birds in open habitats.
Recognized by its rust-colored back and blue-gray wings.
Adapts well to urban and rural environments.
19. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, a symbol of the United States, is a powerful and iconic bird of prey. Commonly seen near Alaska’s waterways, it is an adept scavenger and hunter.
Key Points:
Diet consists of fish, waterfowl, and carrion.
Recognized by its white head, brown body, and yellow beak.
Builds massive nests in tall trees or cliffs, often reused yearly.
20. Merlin
The Merlin is a small, swift falcon that hunts small birds with remarkable speed and agility. This feisty raptor is often seen in open woodlands and tundra regions.
Key Points:
Feeds mainly on songbirds and small mammals.
Recognized by its dark back and streaked underparts.
Known for its high-speed chases during hunts.
21. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of Alaska’s largest and most powerful birds of prey. Found in mountainous and open regions, it hunts medium-sized mammals with incredible precision.
Key Points:
Preys on hares, ground squirrels, and even young caribou.
Recognized by its golden-brown plumage and powerful build.
Nests on cliffs or large trees in remote areas.
22. Gyrfalcon
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species and a true Arctic predator. It is highly adaptable and hunts birds and mammals across tundra and coastal cliffs.
Key Points:
Diet includes ptarmigan, ducks, and small mammals.
Recognized by its variable plumage, ranging from white to dark gray.
Prefers open, cold habitats and remote nesting sites.
FAQs
When can I see birds of prey in Alaska?
Spring and summer are ideal, but some species like Snowy Owls are active in winter.
Where are birds of prey found in Alaska?
They inhabit forests, tundra, grasslands, and coastal areas.
Are any raptors endangered in Alaska?
Most are thriving, but species like the Peregrine Falcon need continued conservation.
What do raptors eat?
They feed on mammals, birds, fish, and insects, depending on the species.
Can I attract raptors to my yard?
Yes, by creating open spaces and installing perches, but follow wildlife regulations.
