Florida birds of prey are among the most fascinating and powerful creatures you can find in the Sunshine State. From bald eagles soaring over lakes to owls hunting silently at night, these raptors showcase the wild beauty and balance of Florida’s ecosystems. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, or nature lover, discovering these magnificent birds of prey in Florida is an unforgettable experience.

Florida Birds of Prey: 15 Majestic Raptors to See

1. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The Bald Eagle is one of the most powerful Florida birds of prey, symbolizing strength and freedom. Adults reach 2.5–3 feet in length, with wingspans up to 7 feet and weights between 8–14 pounds. They’re easily recognized by their white heads, yellow hooked beaks, and dark chocolate-brown feathers.

These raptors primarily feed on fish, swooping down with lightning-fast precision to snatch prey from the water using sharp talons. Bald Eagles can live 20–30 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. They build massive nests—sometimes over 10 feet wide—high in pine trees near lakes or coasts.

Despite being apex predators, young eagles may fall victim to raccoons, great horned owls, or other eagles. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population in Florida has rebounded, making them a true success story among North American raptors.

2. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Among the most specialized birds of prey in Florida, the Osprey is perfectly designed for fishing. It has a slim body, long angled wings, and a white underside contrasted by dark brown upperparts. Adults weigh around 3–4 pounds with wingspans up to 6 feet. Ospreys feature reversible outer toes and spiny foot pads, allowing them to grip slippery fish securely.

They hover up to 100 feet above the water before diving feet-first to capture prey. Their diet is nearly 100% fish-based, including mullet and catfish. Ospreys can live up to 15–20 years, nesting atop tall poles or dead trees near shorelines. While adults have few natural enemies, eggs and chicks are vulnerable to raccoons and great horned owls. Their clear, whistling calls echo across Florida’s marshlands, a familiar sound of coastal wilderness.

3. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

The Red-shouldered Hawk is one of the most vocal and colorful Florida raptors. Medium-sized, it measures 17–24 inches long, with wingspans around 3.5–4 feet and weights close to 1.5 pounds. Its rich rufous chest, checkered wings, and reddish shoulders make it easy to identify.

These hawks inhabit forests near rivers and swamps, where they perch quietly before ambushing frogs, snakes, and small mammals. Their hunting technique relies on quick bursts of flight and keen eyesight. Red-shouldered Hawks live 10–15 years in the wild and mate for life, often returning to the same nesting site yearly.

Predators include Great Horned Owls and raccoons that may raid nests. Their loud, descending “kee-aah” call is a hallmark of Florida’s wooded wetlands—an unmistakable sound of these brilliant birds of prey in action.

4. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and easily recognized Florida birds of prey. Adults measure about 19–25 inches long with wingspans of up to 4.5 feet and can weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. Its signature rusty-red tail and broad wings make it unmistakable as it soars high above open fields. This adaptable raptor hunts mainly small mammals—mice, rabbits, and squirrels—by perching on telephone poles or circling silently overhead.

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional vision, about eight times sharper than humans, allowing them to detect prey from 100 feet away. They can live 15–20 years in the wild, building large stick nests on cliffs or tall trees. Natural predators are few, though Great Horned Owls occasionally target their young. Their piercing scream is often used in Hollywood movies to symbolize any bird of prey, a sound that perfectly captures the spirit of wild Florida.

5. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

The Cooper’s Hawk is a sleek and agile hunter among Florida raptors, built for high-speed chases through dense woods. Adults grow 14–20 inches long with wingspans up to 3 feet and average weights around 1 pound. They have blue-gray backs, reddish barred chests, and long rounded tails that help maneuver through trees.

Cooper’s Hawks specialize in hunting small birds and occasionally squirrels, striking mid-flight with incredible precision. Their short, broad wings and long tails act like rudders for sharp turns. These hawks live around 12–16 years and nest in tall pine or cypress forests, often near suburban areas where songbirds are abundant. Juveniles are preyed upon by larger raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks and owls. With their fierce eyes and stealthy flight, Cooper’s Hawks are an essential part of Florida’s bird-of-prey ecosystem.

6. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest member of the birds of prey in Florida, but its hunting skills rival those of larger raptors. Adults measure only 10–14 inches long, with wingspans around 20–27 inches and weights under 0.5 pounds. These tiny predators have short, rounded wings and long, narrow tails—perfect for darting through forests.

Their blue-gray backs and reddish-barred chests make them resemble miniature Cooper’s Hawks. Sharp-shinned Hawks primarily prey on small songbirds, ambushing them from dense cover. They’re most common in Florida during winter migration. With a lifespan of 5–10 years, they often fall prey to larger hawks and owls. Despite their size, these hawks are fierce, fast, and precise hunters, proving that even the smallest Florida raptors command respect in the wild skies.

7. Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)

Distinct among Florida birds of prey, the Northern Harrier glides low over marshes with its wings in a “V” shape. Males are gray, females brown, both with a white rump patch. Measuring 18–20 inches long and weighing about 1 pound, Harriers hunt small mammals and birds using both sight and sound—thanks to their owl-like facial discs.

They live about 8–12 years and breed in open wetlands. Nests are built on the ground, making eggs vulnerable to raccoons and foxes. Their graceful flight and haunting cry make them a favorite sight in Florida’s marshes, especially during migration seasons.

8. Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)

The Crested Caracara is one of the most distinctive Florida birds of prey, instantly recognized by its flat-topped black crown, white neck, dark brown wings, and vivid orange facial skin that flushes brighter during courtship. This mid-sized raptor stands up to 23 inches tall, weighs around 2.8–3.2 pounds, and has a wingspan reaching 47 inches. Unlike most Florida raptors, the Caracara often forages on foot across prairies, cattle pastures, and open scrublands, exhibiting remarkable terrestrial agility.

Equipped with a powerful hooked beak, the Caracara feeds primarily on carrion but also hunts live prey—small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects—showcasing opportunistic feeding behavior. It builds bulky stick nests high in cabbage palms and breeds between January and March. Chicks fledge after about 8 weeks, and adults can live up to 20 years in the wild.

9. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon is the world’s fastest animal and one of the most thrilling birds of prey in Florida. Adults measure 15–20 inches long, with 3–4 foot wingspans, and weigh about 2 pounds. Sleek and muscular, they dive—or “stoop”—at speeds over 200 mph to strike birds midair. They feed primarily on pigeons and shorebirds, nesting on cliffs or tall urban buildings.

Peregrines live up to 17 years, facing few natural predators except large owls. Once endangered, their populations have rebounded strongly. Seeing a Peregrine streak across Florida’s skies is witnessing raw evolutionary perfection in flight.

10. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon and one of the most colorful Florida birds of prey. Measuring just 9–12 inches and weighing 4–6 ounces, males show blue-gray wings and orange backs, while females are brown with streaked chests. These agile raptors hover above fields searching for insects, lizards, and mice. Their curved beaks allow for quick, precise kills.

Kestrels can live 10–15 years and often nest in cavities or nest boxes. Predators include snakes and larger hawks. Despite their size, Kestrels display remarkable bravery, fiercely defending their nests and territory across Florida’s farmlands.

11. Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The Barred Owl is a striking nocturnal Florida raptor, known for its “Who cooks for you?” call echoing through forests. Measuring 17–20 inches with a wingspan up to 4 feet, it has dark eyes and beautifully barred brown-and-white plumage. These owls prefer moist woodlands and swamps, where they hunt small mammals, amphibians, and crayfish.

They live 10–20 years and nest in tree cavities. Great Horned Owls are their main predators. Barred Owls rely on stealth—gliding silently thanks to specialized feathers that muffle sound. Their haunting calls are a signature of Florida’s twilight wilderness.

12. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Among the largest and most feared birds of prey in Florida, the Great Horned Owl stands 18–25 inches tall with a 4–5 foot wingspan. Recognized by its ear tufts (“horns”) and golden eyes, it weighs up to 5 pounds. This apex predator hunts rabbits, snakes, and even other raptors, striking with crushing talons.

Great Horned Owls live 15–25 years and nest in abandoned hawk or eagle nests. With almost no natural predators, they dominate Florida’s night skies. Their deep hooting calls resonate through woodlands—symbols of silent power and perfect adaptation.

13. Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

Small but tough, the Eastern Screech Owl is one of the most common Florida raptors. Measuring only 8–10 inches and weighing about 6 ounces, it comes in gray or reddish morphs, both blending seamlessly into tree bark. These owls hunt insects, small birds, and rodents, using sharp talons and camouflage for surprise attacks.

Their lifespan is 8–10 years, with snakes and raccoons as main predators. Screech Owls are cavity nesters, often living near suburban areas. Their eerie trills and whinnies fill Florida nights, proving that even the smallest owl commands respect in nature.

14. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

The Barn Owl is one of the most graceful birds of prey in Florida, with a pale heart-shaped face and ghostly white wings. Measuring 13–16 inches long and weighing around 1 pound, it glides silently through farmland and marshes at night. Using exceptional low-light vision and hearing, Barn Owls hunt rodents with pinpoint accuracy.

They can live 10–15 years and nest in barns, hollow trees, or nest boxes. Eggs and chicks are threatened by snakes and raccoons. Despite their fragile appearance, Barn Owls play a crucial role in pest control across Florida’s farmlands.

15. Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)

The Swallow-tailed Kite is perhaps the most elegant Florida bird of prey, easily recognized by its black-and-white plumage and deeply forked tail. These aerial acrobats measure about 2 feet long with 4–5 foot wingspans but weigh under 1 pound.

They feed on insects, lizards, and small snakes, catching prey mid-flight with effortless grace. Kites breed in tall cypress trees and migrate to South America in winter. Their lifespan is around 6–10 years, and they have few natural predators. Watching a Swallow-tailed Kite gliding above Florida wetlands is one of the most breathtaking sights in North American birding.

🌴 Conclusion

Florida’s diverse landscapes—from coastal marshes to pine forests—provide perfect habitats for these birds of prey. Each species, from the mighty Bald Eagle to the elegant Swallow-tailed Kite, plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Whether you’re exploring the Everglades or watching your backyard sky, witnessing a Florida raptor in action reminds us how wild and wonderful this state truly is.