Florida Birds of Prey: Remarkable Raptors
Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from lush wetlands to towering forests, provide a haven for a wide variety of birds of prey, also known as raptors.
These magnificent creatures play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents, reptiles, and other animals.
Many of Florida’s raptors are protected under federal and state laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
These protections help ensure the survival of these remarkable birds for generations to come.
Let’s explore five of the most common Florida raptors, listed here from most common to least common, and discover their fascinating adaptations and remarkable facts.
We’ll also talk about visiting the best bird and wildlife rehab centers with sanctuaries that are open the public, as well as information on illegal shootings and reporting injured birds.
Most Common Florida Raptors
Five most common birds of prey found in Florida:
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus):
This adaptable hawk thrives in a variety of wooded habitats throughout Florida.
- Appearance: Medium-sized hawk with reddish shoulders and a barred tail.
- Size: 17-24 inches tall with a wingspan of 3.5-4.5 feet.
- Region: Found in wooded areas throughout Florida.
- Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians.
- Population: Stable.
- Pros: Helps control rodent populations.
- Cons: Can be a nuisance to small poultry farms.
- Remarkable Fact: Red-shouldered hawks are excellent mimics! They can imitate the calls of other birds, such as crows and owls, to lure prey closer.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
These large, scavenging vultures are a common sight soaring over open areas, cleaning up carrion and helping prevent the spread of disease.
- Appearance: Large, vulture with a red head and neck, black body, and a wingspan of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters).
- Size: 2.5 feet tall with a wingspan of about 6 feet.
- Region: Found throughout Florida in open areas and near bodies of water.
- Diet: Carrion (dead animals).
- Population: Stable.
- Pros: Important scavenger, helps prevent the spread of disease.
- Cons: Can be unpleasant to see due to feeding habits.
- Remarkable Fact: Turkey vultures have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them locate carrion from long distances, as much as 8 miles away!
These are the commonly seen big black birds eating dead animals on roads and beaches. When they’re done, just the bones are left… so we thank them for a job well done!
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Skilled fishermen, ospreys are found near coasts, lakes, and rivers throughout Florida.
- Appearance: Large, brown and white hawk with a distinctive brown band across the chest.
- Size: 21-23 inches tall with a wingspan of 4-6 feet.
- Region: Found near coasts, lakes, and rivers throughout Florida.
- Diet: Primarily fish.
- Population: Stable.
- Pros: Excellent fishermen, help control fish populations.
- Cons: Vulnerable to habitat loss.
- Remarkable Fact: Ospreys can dive feet first into the water at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour to catch fish!
They often build their nests on top of high wood telephone poles, and many of these osprey nests can be seen throughout the Florida Keys.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The national bird of the United States, bald eagles are making a comeback in Florida thanks to conservation efforts.
- Appearance: One of the largest birds in the U.S., majestic eagle with a white head and tail, brown body, and a yellow beak.
- Size: 28-40 inches tall with a wingspan of 6-8 feet.
- Region: Found throughout Florida, near bodies of water.
- Diet: Fish, waterfowl, small mammals.
- Population: Numbers are increasing thanks to conservation efforts.
- Pros: National bird of the United States, helps control fish populations.
- Cons: Can compete with osprey for fish.
- Remarkable Fact: Bald eagles can spot a fish from over a mile away! Their keen eyesight is one of the best in the animal kingdom.
Also, according to FWC stats, an approximate 1500 bald eagle nesting pairs are currently residing in Florida!
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forticatus)
With a stunning black and white appearance and an impressive wingspan, the swallow-tailed kite is a graceful aerial predator of insects.
- Appearance: Large birds with stunning black and white contrasting back and belly with deeply forked tail.
- Size: About 2 feet tall with a wingspan of approx. 4 feet.
- Region: Found in open areas and forests during breeding season (February-September).
- Diet: Large insects, especially flying ants.
- Population: Stable in Florida (threatened in other states).
- Pros: Important insect predator.
- Cons: Sensitive to habitat disturbance.
- Remarkable Fact: The swallow-tailed kite has the second-largest wingspan relative to its body size of any raptor in North America! This allows for graceful, acrobatic flight.
According to the Audubon Field Guide there are approximately 260,000 swallow-tailed kites currently living in Florida.
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Illegal Shootings of Florida Birds of Prey
Despite their protected status, illegal shootings remain a significant threat to Florida’s birds of prey.
These acts not only harm these magnificent creatures but also disrupt the delicate ecological balance they help maintain. Here are some important facts to know:
- All birds of prey in Florida are protected by law.
- Shooting a raptor is a crime. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and the loss of hunting licenses.
- If you witness an illegal shooting, report it immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) by calling 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or visiting https://myfwc.com/.
By working together, we can help protect these remarkable birds and ensure they continue to soar through the Sunshine State’s skies for generations to come.
Bird and Wildlife Sanctuaries Make Great Zoo-Alternatives
Bird centers and wildlife sanctuaries make great alternatives to visiting a zoo. You’ll see Florida wildlife up close, and you’ll also be supporting the rescue, rehab and care of these animals!
There are multiple wildlife rehabilitation centers in Florida that offer rescue services and rehab birds of prey.
Some of these rehab centers are also refuges and sanctuaries that provide homes to the animals that aren’t able to be released back into the wild, and are open to the public.
Here are three great wildlife sanctuaries that are open to the public and are great places to visit:
The Busch Wildlife Habitat (Jupiter)
Located in Jupiter, this expansive wildlife refuge provides permanent homes for raptors with permanent injuries or disabilities that can’t be released back into the wild.
They are open to the public, and a great place to visit! Walk through shady boardwalk trails through natural habitats housing Florida wildlife that were injured and rehabilitated, but unable to be released back into the wild.
Birds, bears, gators… we loved visiting this place. Here’s our blog from when we visited Busch Wildlife Habitat, with tips.
Key West Wildlife Center (Key West)
Located in Key West, this non-profit organization provides vital care for injured wildlife, including raptors. They operate a clinic and flight enclosures, offering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release opportunities for injured birds.
While they primarily focus on native bird species, they work with other organizations to ensure proper care for non-avian wildlife.
This is a 7 acre property open to the public (except Wednesdays) and they offer educational tours and programs, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in the Keys. Visit the official Key West Wildlife Center website here.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (Islamorada)
This bird center has a bird hospital and sanctuary, and most is open to the public. They rely on donations, and this is a great place to visit and help support.
Located on the gulf side of Islamorada, visitors can meander through enjoyable shady boardwalk trails to see all the injured birds this center has rescued and rehabilitated, a trail leading to the shore and probably a bunch of pelicans waiting to be fed!
While the goal is to release the birds, many at this sanctuary are unable to be released back into the wild. Visit their Florida Keys Wild Bird Center website to plan your visit and get information on donating to their organization, as well as their fundraising events.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Located near Naples, this is a beautiful park with an extensive boardwalk system that meanders through Florida wildnerness and habitats with a great chance to see birds of prey and other wildlife.
In addition to the 2.25 miles of boardwalk, there is a visitor’s center and gift shop. There are guided tours, water refilling stations and a cafe that’s open part of the year, binoculars for rent and more.
Visit the official Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary website to plan your visit.
Reporting Injured Birds of Prey
If you encounter an injured bird of prey in Florida, it’s crucial to seek help promptly. These magnificent creatures require specialized care to recover and return to the wild. Here’s what you should do:
- Do not attempt to handle the bird yourself. Birds of prey can have sharp talons and beaks and may be stressed or injured.
- Assess the situation safely. If the bird is in immediate danger, such as on a busy road, try to move it to a safe location nearby, out of harm’s way.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. Many wildlife centers specialize in caring for injured raptors.
Look online or call your local wildlife agency for a list of rescue centers in your area. Here are some resources to get you started. They will also help refer you to a closer rescue center if necessary:
North Florida:
- Florida Wildlife Hospital
352-371-4400
- Florida Wildlife Hospital
South Florida:
- South Florida Wildlife Center
954-524-4302
- South Florida Wildlife Center
Southwest Florida
- Raptor Center of Tampa Bay
813-205-1851
- Raptor Center of Tampa Bay
Florida Keys:
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
305-852-4486 ext. 1
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
If you are unable to reach a rehabilitation center, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
They can provide assistance and connect you with the appropriate resources.
By reporting injured birds of prey and giving them a chance at recovery, you’re helping to ensure the continued health and diversity of Florida’s remarkable raptor populations.
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