Birds of Prey of Prairie Grasslands

Prairie grasslands are open, windswept landscapes that support a remarkable community of birds of prey. These raptors—hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls—hunt rodents, insects, and birds across vast expanses of native grasses and wildflowers. For those who enjoy time outdoors, observing grassland birds of prey offers a quiet, rewarding pursuit. This guide introduces the key species, field identification, and seasonal patterns to help you appreciate these hunters of the sky.

What Are the Five Key Birds of Prey in Prairie Grasslands?

When asked, "what are the 5 birds of prey" most typical of prairie grasslands, five stand out: the Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Swainson's Hawk, and Great Horned Owl. Each fills a distinct niche in the prairie food web.

These five are not the only prairie birds of prey, but they are among the most widespread and identifiable. Others, like the Rough-legged Hawk in winter or the Burrowing Owl in shortgrass areas, add seasonal interest.

Name Three Birds of Prey You Might See on a Prairie Walk

If you are just beginning, start by learning to "name three birds of prey" that are common and relatively easy to separate:

1. Northern Harrier – Look for a slim, long-winged hawk flying low with its wings held in a shallow V. The white rump patch is diagnostic.
2. Ferruginous Hawk – Scan fence posts and low mounds for a large pale hawk with rusty shoulders. It often sits very upright.
3. American Kestrel – Watch for a robin-sized falcon hovering on rapidly beating wings over a roadside ditch, then plunging to the ground.

These three species show different shapes, sizes, and behaviors, making them excellent teaching birds for field identification.

Field Identification: What to Notice

Identifying raptors in open country relies less on color and more on shape, flight style, and behavior. Keep field notes on the following:

• Size and silhouette – Compare the bird to common references: a crow, a red-tailed hawk, or a gull. Broad-winged buteos like the Ferruginous Hawk have long, wide wings and short tails; falcons like the kestrel have pointed wings and long tails.
• Flight pattern – Does it soar in circles, hover, or fly low with slow wingbeats? The Northern Harrier's coursing flight is unmistakable once learned.
• Underwing pattern – Light conditions on the prairie can be harsh, but backlit views often reveal useful marks, such as the dark wrist patches on a Swainson's Hawk.
• Perch choice – Many prairie raptors use isolated posts, rocks, or even the ground. Note the height and openness of the perch.
• Season – Resident species may be present year-round, while migrants like Swainson's Hawk arrive in April and leave by October.

Hawks of the Open Grass

Ferruginous Hawk is the largest North American buteo. Its name means "rusty-colored," from the Latin ferrugo, referring to the reddish back and shoulders seen in good light. It nests on cliffs, trees, or even the ground, and feeds heavily on prairie dogs and ground squirrels. In winter, it may gather in groups in agricultural fields.

Swainson's Hawk is a long-distance migrant that winters in South America. In summer, it may follow tractors to catch insects stirred from hayfields. Look for a slim hawk with a broad dark band across the chest and a pale belly; however, a dark morph is all chocolate-brown.

Falcons of the Prairies

The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon. It hunts large insects, small rodents, and sometimes small birds. Males have blue-gray wings; females are mostly rufous. Kestrels nest in cavities, including old woodpecker holes, and readily use nest boxes.

The Prairie Falcon is a larger, sand-colored falcon of dry western grasslands. It is less common but can be found in open country with cliffs for nesting. It has a narrow dark "mustache" and dark axillary feathers under the wing.

Eagles and Owls of the Grasslands

Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles may be seen over prairie rivers or uplands. Golden Eagles are more typical of open, dry country, hunting jackrabbits. Immature Bald Eagles can be confused with Golden Eagles; note the latter's smaller head and longer tail.

The Great Horned Owl is a resident predator of prairie woodlots, shelterbelts, and even ground nests. Its deep hooting often carries across the grass at dusk. The Short-eared Owl is a true grassland owl, flying with floppy, moth-like wingbeats at dawn and dusk; it is declining in many areas and deserves quiet observation.

Prairie Habitats and Where to Look

Prairie habitats range from tallgrass in wetter regions to shortgrass and mixed grass in drier areas. Raptors use different parts of this mosaic:

• Native prairie remnants – Undisturbed grasslands with high rodent populations support Ferruginous Hawks and wintering Rough-legged Hawks.
• Wet meadows and sloughs – Northern Harriers often course over cattails and wet grasses, hunting voles.
• Fence lines and roadsides – Utility poles and fence posts provide hunting perches for kestrels and small hawks.
• Agricultural fields – Harvested grain fields attract wintering raptors, especially Red-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks.
• Grassland bird refuges – National wildlife refuges and state wildlife areas often maintain prairie specifically for grassland birds, including raptors.

Respect private land—always ask permission before entering. Use public roads and pull-offs for observation. A spotting scope is helpful, as many raptors keep their distance.

Seasonal Changes: A Year of Prairie Raptors

• Spring (March–May) – Migrants return. Swainson's Hawks appear in late April; Northern Harriers perform sky-dancing display flights; kestrels establish territories.
• Summer (June–August) – Nesting peaks. Young Ferruginous Hawks fledge in July; watch for family groups on fence posts.
• Autumn (September–November) – Migration south. Broad-winged buteos move through in September; Rough-legged Hawks and wintering eagles arrive by November.
• Winter (December–February) – Resident Great Horned Owls begin nesting as early as January; open country may hold large numbers of Red-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks where prey is abundant.

Practical Preparation for Your Outing

A few simple preparations improve both comfort and observation:

1. Check the weather – Prairie winds can be strong and cold; layers, a windbreaker, and a brimmed hat help.
2. Bring optics – Binoculars (8x or 10x) are essential; a spotting scope on a tripod is valuable for distant raptors.
3. Carry a field guide or app – Focus on raptor plates; practice noting shape and flight before you go.
4. Go early or late – Raptors are often active in the morning and late afternoon; midday heat reduces activity.
5. Move slowly and quietly – Use your vehicle as a blind; birds are less wary of a stopped car than a walking person.
6. Record observations – Keep a field notebook with date, location, weather, species, behavior, and any photos. These notes enrich your understanding over years.

Respectful Observation and Habitat Care

Birds of prey are sensitive to disturbance, especially during nesting. Keep a respectful distance; if a bird flushes, you are too close. Never approach a nest or young. Avoid playing recorded calls to attract birds—it can disrupt breeding and territorial behavior.

Support prairie conservation by visiting protected grasslands, supporting organizations that manage prairie habitat, and volunteering for bird surveys. Even small actions, like keeping cats indoors near grasslands and reducing pesticide use, help maintain the prey base these raptors depend on.

Watching grassland birds of prey rewards patience. Stand at the edge of a prairie, listen to the wind in the grass, and watch the sky. The quiet observation of these wild hunters is a practice in attention—and a connection to one of North America's most iconic landscapes.