Delaware is home to a diverse array of raptors, or birds of prey, which play vital roles in the local ecosystem. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a nature photographer, or simply curious about the wildlife in the First State, understanding the different types of raptors you might encounter can enhance your appreciation and help you identify them in the wild. This list covers ten common and notable birds of prey found in Delaware, providing detailed descriptions to help you recognize and learn about these fascinating predators.
1. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is Delaware’s most widespread and recognizable raptor. Known for its distinctive brick-red tail, this hawk measures about 18 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet. It favors open fields, woodland edges, and suburban areas, where it hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its keen eyesight and soaring flight make it a favorite among birdwatchers, especially during the fall migration when it can be seen perched atop utility poles or soaring high overhead.
2. Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a medium-sized raptor that often inhabits wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods. It measures around 14 to 20 inches long with a wingspan of about 24 to 35 inches. Recognizable by its rounded tail with white bands and its blue-gray back, this hawk excels at hunting small birds and mammals in dense cover. Its agility and swift flight make it a challenging but rewarding bird to observe, especially during the breeding season when it nests in tall trees.
3. Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is notable for its striking reddish shoulders and barred black and white tail. Usually around 16 to 24 inches long, it prefers deciduous forests and swamps, where it hunts amphibians, insects, and small mammals. Its loud, piercing call often echoes through wetlands, making it easier to locate. During migration, these hawks can be seen soaring over forested areas, especially in spring and fall, providing a spectacular sight for birders.
4. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a sleek, owl-like raptor known for its low, gliding flight over grasslands and marshes. It measures about 18 to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of roughly 4 to 5 feet. Males are mostly white with gray wings, while females are brown with white underparts. Its sharp eyesight helps it hunt small mammals and birds in open habitats, and it’s often seen quartering over fields during migration seasons.
5. Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a small, agile bird of prey, measuring about 9 to 13 inches with a wingspan of 16 to 24 inches. It resembles a tiny Cooper’s Hawk but can be distinguished by its squared-off tail and smaller size. It primarily preys on small songbirds, which it captures in dense forests and bird feeders. During migration, it can be observed darting through trees at high speeds, especially in wooded parks and preserves.
6. Osprey
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large, fish-eating raptor that often nests on tall poles, trees, and man-made structures near water. It measures about 21 to 24 inches long with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. Recognizable by its white underparts, dark eye stripe, and widespread presence near Delaware’s lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, the Osprey’s dramatic dives to catch fish make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Its conspicuous nesting sites are often visible from distances, especially during the breeding season in spring and summer.
7. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is known worldwide as the fastest bird of prey, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph during dives. In Delaware, it’s a rare but exciting sight, often nesting on cliffs or tall buildings in urban areas. Adult Peregrines have slate-blue wings and a distinctive black
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