Are you interested in learning more about birds of prey? There are over 400 species of raptors (birds of prey) in North America alone. You’ll likely run into quite a few if you live near Michigan. Here’s a stunning collection of 20 interesting birds of prey from around the state.
Birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, kites, harriers, buzzards, eagles, etc. They hunt for their food using vision or hearing. Some birds of prey also nest communally so they may share hunting duties and protection.
There are many amazing things about these magnificent birds, including their ability to soar through the sky and feed off dead animals. Here’s a glimpse of some interesting birds of prey living in Michigan. Enjoy!
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The common Michigan birds of prey
1. Short-eared Owl
Scientific name: Asio flammeus
Appearance: The short-eared Owl has a black head, neck, chest, underbelly, and tail. Its body coloration ranges from white to grayish brown, depending upon age and sex. The eyes are yellow-orange, and the face is dark.
This species is often confused with the Northern Hawk Owl, which resembles in size, shape, and plumage patterning. However, the short-eared Owl lacks the large ear tufts found on the Northern Hawk Owl.
Short-eared owls are medium-sized birds. They measure about 13–17 inches in length and 34–41 inches in wingspan. Owls weigh about 3–4 pounds. Their tails are long, measuring up to 4 inches in length.
Diet: They mainly eat rodents, but they’re opportunistic predators that can feed on larger prey such as mice, rats, and even bats.
They catch their prey by swooping down upon it and grabbing it with their talons. Short-eared owls hunt during the day, flying low over open fields and meadows where they spot their prey. When hunting, they often perch on trees or rocks near water sources.
Habitat: Short-eared owls live in open habitats such as prairies and grasslands, where they hunt small mammals like mice and voles. They nest in tree cavities.
2. Snowy Owl
Scientific name: Bubo scandiacus
Appearance: The snowy Owl is one of the most recognizable birds in North America. They are large, about 30 inches tall, and weigh up to 3 pounds. They’ve got white plumage with black or brown markings on the body and wings. They have yellow eyes and a dark bill.
Diet: Their diet consists mainly of small rodents like lemmings, voles, mice, rabbits, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. In winter, they feed on fish and frogs.
Habitat: The snowy Owl lives in the Arctic tundras around the world. They live in open areas with very little vegetation.