23 Birds Of Prey Illinois (Photo & ID)
Illinois birds of prey are amazing creatures that soar in our skies! These birds are not only cool to watch, but they also play a special part in nature by keeping other animal populations under control. In Illinois, you can find a variety of these powerful birds, such as hawks, eagles, and owls.
Learning about them is not just interesting, it also helps us understand the important role they play in our environment. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Illinois birds of prey and discover how they survive and thrive in the wild!
List of 23 Birds of prey Illinois
Hawks in Illinois :
1.Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common birds of prey that you can see in Illinois. It’s big, strong, and has a wide wingspan that allows it to soar high in the sky. You can easily spot this hawk by looking for its bright red tail. These hawks are like nature’s pest controllers; they help to keep the number of rats and mice down by hunting them. So, next time you see a Red-tailed Hawk, remember, it’s doing an important job in nature!
- Length: 45-65 cm (18-26 in)
- Weight: 690-1,723 g (1.52-3.799 lb)
- Wingspan: 105-147 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 10 in)
2.Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper’s Hawk is a bird of prey that you can find in Illinois. This bird is a raptor, meaning it is a powerful hunter. It has strong talons and a sharp beak to help it catch and eat other birds and small animals. Cooper’s Hawks are agile fliers that like to live in wooded areas. They build their nests high in the trees and are known for their fast and acrobatic flying skills while hunting.
- Length: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Weight: Male: 220-410 g, Female: 330-680 g
- Wingspan: Male: 24.4-35.4 inches (62-90 cm), Female: 29.5-35.4 inches (75-90 cm)
3.Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a bird of prey found in Illinois. It’s a small, fast hawk that hunts other birds. They have sharp talons and beaks to catch and eat their prey. These hawks are great at flying through trees and forests, where they often build their nests. Sharp-shinned Hawks are a special part of Illinois’ wildlife, showing the amazing diversity of birds in the state.
- Length: 24-34 cm
- Weight: 87-218 g
- Wingspan: 43-56 cm
4.Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
The Broad-winged Hawk is a magnificent bird of prey living in Illinois. This powerful hawk has wide wings that allow it to soar high in the sky. With sharp talons and a strong beak, it can catch and eat small animals like rodents and birds. They love staying in large forests, where they find lots of trees to build their nests and hunt for food. The Broad-winged Hawk is an exciting part of the wildlife in Illinois, making the state’s nature even more beautiful.
- Length: 34-44 cm
- Weight: 265-560 g
- Wingspan: 81-100 cm
5.Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Swainson’s Hawk is a special bird of prey in Illinois. This hawk loves open places like fields and prairies. It has strong talons for catching animals like rodents and birds to eat. They make nests high in trees or other tall spots. Swainson’s Hawk is known for flying very far when it migrates. Seeing this hawk is a wonderful part of exploring Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length:48-56 cm
- Weight: 1.5 and 3 pounds
- Wingspan: 46 to 54 inches (117 to 137 centimeters)
6.Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a colorful bird of prey found in Illinois. This hawk has a special pattern of red and brown feathers on its shoulders. It lives in forests and woods where it builds its nests in tall trees. With sharp talons and a strong beak, it catches and eats small animals like mice and frogs. Seeing a Red-shouldered Hawk is a cool part of enjoying Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 43-61 cm
- Weight: 486-774 g
- Wingspan: 94-111 cm
7.Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
The Northern Harrier is a unique bird of prey in Illinois. This harrier flies low over fields and marshes, looking for small animals like mice and birds to catch with its sharp talons. It has a flat, owl-like face and long wings. They build nests on the ground in tall grasses. Seeing a Northern Harrier gliding over a field is a fantastic sight in Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 46-50 cm
- Weight: 300-750 g
- Wingspan: 102-118 cm
Eagles of Illinois
8.Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The Bald Eagle is a powerful bird of prey and a symbol of the United States. In Illinois, you can see this amazing eagle near rivers and lakes. They have strong talons and a big, hooked beak to catch fish and other animals. Bald Eagles build large nests in tall trees. They are a proud and beautiful part of Illinois’ wildlife
- Length: 70-102 cm (28-40 in)
- Weight: 3-6.3 kg (6.6-13.9 lb)
- Wingspan: 1.8-2.3 m (5 ft 11 in – 7 ft 7 in)
9.Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
The Golden Eagle is a breathtaking bird of prey found in Illinois. This mighty eagle has dark brown feathers with golden touches on its head and neck. They live in open mountains and hills, where they use their sharp talons to catch animals like rabbits and squirrels. They build strong nests on cliff edges or high trees. Seeing a Golden Eagle in the wild is a thrilling part of Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 70-84 cm
- Weight: 3000-6125 g
- Wingspan: 185-220 cm
Falcons that Soar Illinois Skies :
10.Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon is a fast and powerful bird of prey in Illinois. This falcon is famous for its amazing speed when diving to catch birds in the air. With sharp talons and a strong beak, it is a skilled hunter. Peregrine Falcons often live in cities, making nests on tall buildings. They are a remarkable sight and a proud symbol of Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 34-58 cm
- Weight: Males: 330-1,000 g, Females: 700-1,500 g
- Wingspan: 74-120 cm
Explore more bird about of Illinois
11.Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The Merlin is a small but fierce bird of prey seen in Illinois. This little falcon is a quick and agile hunter, using its sharp talons to catch smaller birds while flying. Merlins like open fields and marshes where they can spot their prey easily. They make simple nests on the ground or in low trees. Seeing a Merlin in action is a special experience in exploring Illinois’ wildlife
- Length: 24-30 cm
- Weight: 160-240 g
- Wingspan: 53-68 cm
12.American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The American Kestrel is a colorful bird of prey that lives in Illinois. This small falcon is very active and likes to hover in the air while looking for insects and small animals to eat. With its sharp talons, it catches prey on the ground or in the air. American Kestrels often live in open fields and meadows, where they can find plenty of food. They add beauty and excitement to Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 22-31 cm
- Weight: Male: 80-143 g, Female: 86-165 g
- Wingspan: 51-61 cm
Owls: The Nocturnal Hunters of Illinois:
13.Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl is a mysterious bird of prey in Illinois. This big owl has tufts of feathers on its head that look like horns. They have powerful talons to catch animals like rabbits and birds during the night. Great Horned Owls live in deep forests and quiet parks, where they make their nests in tall trees. Their deep hooting sounds add a magical feeling to the nighttime in Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 64 cm (25 in)
- Weight: 1.4 kg (4.7 lb)
- Wingspan: 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in)
14.Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small but fascinating bird of prey in Illinois. This owl is known for its unique call that sounds like a whinny or soft trill. They have sharp talons that they use to catch insects, mice, and small birds for food. Eastern Screech Owls like to live in woods and forests, where they find cozy holes in trees to make their nests. These owls bring a sense of wonder to Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 16-25 cm
- Weight: 130-220 g
- Wingspan: 48-61 cm
15.Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl is a remarkable bird of prey found in Illinois. This owl has beautiful brown and white stripes on its body and big, round eyes. They use their sharp talons to catch mice, squirrels, and other small animals. Barred Owls love to live in deep forests where it’s quiet and shady, choosing tall trees to create their nests. Their unique “who-cooks-for-you” call makes them a memorable part of Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 48-51 cm
- Weight: Males: 630 g, Females: 800 g
- Wingspan: 107-111 cm
16.Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a tiny owl that lives in Illinois. This bird of prey is small but a good hunter. With its sharp talons, it catches mice and insects at night. They like forests where they can hide and make nests in the trees. Even though they are hard to find, they are a special part of Illinois’ wildlife and make the forest feel magical.
- Length: 17-21 cm
- Weight: Males: 75 g, Females: 100 g
- Wingspan: 46-56 cm
17.Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
The Short-eared Owl is a wonderful bird of prey in Illinois. This owl has short tufts of feathers on its ears and big, yellow eyes. They are good hunters, using their sharp talons to catch mice in open fields and marshes. They often make their nests on the ground, hidden in tall grass. The Short-eared Owl’s presence adds a touch of mystery to the beautiful wildlife of Illinois.
- Length: 34-43 cm
- Weight: 206-475 g
- Wingspan: 85-110 cm
18.Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl is a lovely bird of prey found in Illinois. This owl has a heart-shaped face and soft, white and brown feathers. They use their strong talons to catch mice and other small animals in barns and open fields. Barn Owls like to make their nests in quiet, dark places like old buildings or trees. They are a gentle and beautiful part of Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: Females: 34-40 cm, Males: 32-38 cm
- Weight: Females: 570 g, Males: 470 g
- Wingspan: 107-110 cm
19.Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
The Snowy Owl is an amazing bird of prey you might see in Illinois. This owl is pure white, looking like a fluffy snowball. With powerful talons, it hunts rodents in icy places. Even though they come from the Arctic, sometimes they visit open fields in Illinois during winter. They make their nests on the ground, blending in with the snow. Snowy Owls are a magical part of the wildlife in cold months.
- Length: 63 – 73 cm
- Weight: to 710 g (1.57 lb) for males and of 780 to 1,185 g (1.720 to 2.612 lb) for females
- Wingspan: 4-5 feet on average
Osprey:
20.Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
The Osprey is a fantastic bird of prey often seen in Illinois. This bird is a master fisher, diving to grab fish with its sharp talons. They have long wings and love to hover over lakes and rivers. Ospreys build big nests high up on poles or trees near water. They are a joy to watch, especially when they catch fish. Ospreys are a special highlight of Illinois’ wildlife by the water.
- Length: 53-58 cm
- Weight: 1.3-1.8 kg
- Wingspan: 1.5 m
Read also:
Osprey and Vultures: Scavengers and Fishermen:
21.Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
The Turkey Vulture is a unique bird of prey in Illinois. This bird has a bald, red head and broad wings. Unlike many raptors, it doesn’t hunt. Instead, it finds dead animals to eat. You’ll often see them soaring in the sky, using their keen sense of smell to find food. They like open fields and forests to search for meals. Turkey Vultures are an interesting part of Illinois’ wildlife, helping keep the environment clean.
- Length: 25-31 inches
- Weight: 70.5 ounces (4.4 lbs)
- Wingspan: 66-70 inches
22.Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
The Black Vulture is a dark-feathered bird of prey seen in Illinois. Unlike some raptors, this bird mainly eats animals that are already dead. With strong beaks and sharp talons, they can tear apart tough skin and flesh. Black Vultures like to be around open fields and woodlands, and they often gather in large groups. They play a helpful role in the ecosystem and are an intriguing part of Illinois’ wildlife.
- Length: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
- Weight: Not specified in the provided sources
- Wingspan: 4’6 (1.4 m)
Others:
23.Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
The Northern Goshawk is a strong bird of prey in Illinois. This big hawk is a skillful hunter, using its sharp talons to catch other birds and animals. They like thick forests, where they build secure nests in tall trees. With keen eyes and fast wings, they swoop down to catch their food. The Northern Goshawk is a remarkable and important part of the state’s wildlife.
- Length: 46-62 cm (18 – 24 inches)
- Weight: Females average 1059 grams (2 lbs 5 oz); males 816 grams (1 lb, 13 oz)
- Wingspan: 98-115 cm (38 – 45 inches)
Habitats and Adaptations of Illinois Birds of Prey
In Illinois, many amazing birds of prey have special homes, known as habitats. These birds have special abilities, or adaptations, that help them live and find food in these places. From thick, green forests to wide-open fields, each bird finds a place where it can be the best hunter.
They can do things like fly quietly, see really well, or have strong feet to catch their food. Understanding and taking care of these habitats are very important for keeping these incredible birds a part of Illinois’ wildlife.
Conservation Efforts for Illinois Birds of Prey
In Illinois, people are working hard to protect the birds of prey. They make sure that the birds have safe places to live, known as habitats. This help is called conservation.
Conservation helps keep the air, water, and land clean and safe for the birds. It also protects their homes from being destroyed. Thanks to these efforts, the amazing birds of prey can continue to live and thrive in Illinois’ beautiful wildlife.
FAQs
Are there predatory birds in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has many predatory birds, like hawks, eagles, and falcons, living in various habitats across the state.
What falcons are in Illinois?
Illinois is home to various falcons such as the Peregrine Falcon and the American Kestrel, among others.
What kind of eagles are in Illinois?
The Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle are the main types of eagles found in Illinois, known for their impressive size and presence.
Illinois birds of prey size?
Birds of prey in Illinois vary in size, from larger eagles to smaller falcons and owls.
Small birds of prey in Illinois?
Smaller birds of prey in Illinois include the American Kestrel and Merlin, which are agile and efficient hunters.
Birds of prey in Chicago?
Chicago hosts a variety of birds of prey, including Peregrine Falcons and Red-tailed Hawks, adapting to the urban environment.
Conclusion:
Illinois Birds of Prey are not just fascinating creatures; they are the guardians of our skies, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Embracing their presence and promoting conservation efforts ensures a balanced environment and a spectacular display of nature’s brilliance. By appreciating and protecting these majestic birds, we allow future generations to enjoy their beauty and significance in our natural world.
