The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, is a well-known species that inhabit North America. Watching a sharp-shinned hawk in action is truly an incredible sight to behold. As skilled hunters, they feed primarily on smaller birds and can even be seen waiting patiently near bird feeders. They live year-round in North Carolina, often in dense forests, but can also be spotted in suburban areas. Found throughout the Americas, these birds can be identified by their long tails, short wings, and slender legs. Interestingly, the female hawks are larger than the males which is a characteristic shared with many raptors. With a wingspan reaching up to 23 inches and a weight of just 4oz, this tiny hawk is a marvel of the avian world. The sharp-shinned hawk, one of the smallest birds of prey in North Carolina, is a fascinating creature to observe. Keep an eye out for these incredible hunters soaring across the sky. The hawk’s main diet consists of rodents such as mice, gophers, and chipmunks, although they will also consume reptiles and other birds. If you’re lucky, you may spot one in the suburbs near some trees. Unfortunately, deforestation poses the biggest danger to these beautiful creatures, as they need open forests to hunt. These hawks travel north to breed and south to winter. Often mistaken for the red-tailed hawk, this species is smaller and found year-round in North Carolina. The red-shouldered hawk, with its distinctive red shoulders, is a fascinating bird of prey. Keep your eyes peeled during your next outing – you never know when you’ll spot one of these impressive creatures soaring overhead. They are also opportunistic carnivores, meaning they eat a variety of prey. The red-tailed hawk is easily identifiable thanks to its brown feathers on the top and pale underside, as well as its striking red tail feathers. What’s particularly impressive is their adaptability – they can be spotted year-round in urban areas, deserts, forests, and agricultural fields. While they breed north of the United States borders, they can be found all across the continent, including North Carolina. This species is one of North America’s most commonly seen raptors due to its large breeding range. North Carolina is home to many incredible birds of prey, but one that stands out is the red-tailed hawk. 13 Birds of Prey in North Carolina Red-tailed Hawks The North Carolina Bird Records Committee reports that the state offers some of the richest avian habitats in America, making it an iconic hotspot for bird-watching enthusiasts. What hawks are common in North Carolina?.What is the largest hawk in North Carolina?.What is the most common bird of prey in North Carolina?.Audubon North Carolina: State-specific information on species, conservation, resources + tips for birdwatching, bird-friendly gardening + more.North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: Resources for birders include trail maps, birdwatching checklists, and a guide to how to build your own birdhouses + feeders.Carolina Bird Club: All of the bird species recorded in NC, including information on habitat, breeding, and abundance levels.Asheville has 20+ local spots where birders have seen more than 100 species. The best part of ebird is the hotspots locator. : Also from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, ebird is the best website for birders to find birds, keep track of bird lists, explore the latest sightings + contribute to science.You just click “record” in the app and aim it out at the bird(s) that are chirping/singing, and it gives you who the bird is, or even if there are several. ProTip: Merlin has recently added a sound id. Merlin: This free identification app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology includes photos, an identification + browsing tool, and a database of songs + calls for every bird you’re likely to come across in your area.Websites + apps have made birdwatching more accessible than ever.
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