Birds of prey can target and kill your local songbirds. They’re also large and ferocious enough to go after household pets like cats and small dogs. Identifying these birds, even while in flight, is an excellent way to keep your beloved outdoor animals and backyard pets safe.
The best way to identify birds of prey in flight is to take note of their size and coloration. You can also identify predatory birds based on their flight style. Birds of prey are far larger than songbirds and tend to circle and swoop when searching for prey.
Identifying Birds of Prey Based on Size
Predatory birds are generally much larger than songbirds.
This greater size is no accident, as it gives them an advantage against prey animals, many of which are far smaller.
For example, the average red-tailed hawk, which is the most common type of hawk in North America, weighs about 2.4 pounds, whereas a common house finch might only weigh about 0.04 pounds.
This means that hawks are, on average, 60 times larger than house finches.
For perspective, a standard compact sedan is only about 16 times heavier than the average US adult (2,900 pounds versus 181 pounds).
So, when a hawk zooms toward a house finch, that’s essentially equivalent to the force of a massive truck bearing down on a human.
This significant size difference makes birds of prey excellent hunters.
It also makes them easier to spot while in flight.
But while the bulk of a predatory bird’s weight stems from its head and torso, its wings are often the most easily recognizable physical feature, especially when flying.
The Wingspan of Predatory Bird Species
Birds of prey need much longer, stronger wings to support their weight.
Generally, adult predatory birds have wingspans ranging from about 2.5 feet to almost 5 feet.
Compare this to the wingspan of songbirds like the Northern Cardinal, which generally tops out at 12 inches.
Even though birds of prey tend to fly much higher than common songbirds, especially non-migratory species, they’re generally easier to spot without binoculars due to their massive wingspan.
Predatory Bird Species Have Unmistakable Feather Colors
Birds of prey often inhabit higher altitudes than songbirds.
Their feather coloration almost always reflects this difference in flight heights, with their undersides featuring light-colored feathers to help them blend in with clouds and pale skies.
While this is also true of some songbirds such as hour sparrows and yellow-rumped warblers, you can use feather coloration as a secondary identification tool to tell whether a bird in flight is predatory or not.
Refer to this helpful chart below for a quick breakdown of some of the most common North American birds of prey and their feather colors.
| Bird Name (Scientific Name) | Adult Feather Coloration |
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | White and gold underside, sometimes with black ticking, brown, gold, and gray feathers along wings, head, and spine |
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Grey-black underside and wings, white tail and head |
| California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) | Primarily black coloration, small featherless patch on chest that often appears red; white wing-shaped pattern on the underside of wings, featherless head |
| Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) | Black and white ticked feathers along the underside, including belly and wings; brown-orange coloration near legs and along back |
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Blue-grey topside with white-and-brown ticked belly and head; bright yellow feet |
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | Black underside, wings feature grey or white feathers the increase in number as they flow away from the body; featherless head that appears red or pink; white or grey tail |
You can also observe a bird’s flight pattern to discern whether it’s a plump songbird or a predatory bird on the hunt.
Identifying Birds of Prey Based on Flight Style
If you’re an avid birdwatcher, you’re likely familiar with the typical flight patterns of songbirds.
These small creatures generally fly in short bursts and keep relatively close to the ground, making them much easier to spot.
Predatory birds, on the other hand, enjoy much longer flight times and rise much higher in the air.
Since these birds hunt by observing and tracking prey beneath them, this elevation and flight style change makes logical sense.
Additionally, birds of prey don’t expend much energy while in flight.
They allow their extraordinary wing span to catch wind currents, resulting in a circular motion throughout the sky that includes little “flapping” associated with smaller bird species.
As such, any bird you see swooping in a high circle in the sky isn’t a genial cardinal, robin, or finch.
However, this circling behavior isn’t unique to predatory bird species like hawks and falcons.
Scavengers, like vultures, ravens, and crows, also exhibit circling behaviors when eyeing potential meals.
Scavenger bird species are far more likely to fly in large groups than birds of prey, especially outside of migratory periods.
If you want to identify a group of hungry vultures apart from a family of hawks, consider the current time of year.
Risks Birds of Prey Pose to Humans and Animals
If you’re a birder, you might want to be able to identify predatory birds in flight as part of your hobby.
However, being able to tell bird species apart isn’t the only reason to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of birds of prey.
After all, these birds pose several risks to humans and animals. Some of the most significant risks include:
- Sudden attack and injury (humans)
- Attack and fatal injury (small animals)
- Decreased local songbird population
Likelihood of Being Attacked by Birds of Prey
The likelihood of a bird of prey attacking a human is relatively small, but that doesn’t mean it never happens.
If a predatory bird is incredibly hungry and desperate to obtain a meal, it may go after human prey, particularly young children.
One of the most infamous instances of a bird of prey harming a child occurred in 2012 when a hawk injured a young boy in Hampshire, a coastal county in the United Kingdom.
The hawk in question was a pet that had refused to obey its owner’s commands.
Though rare, predatory bird attacks against children and adults can be painful and potentially fatal.
Remaining aware of the types of birds sailing across the sky above you may help you avoid sudden attacks.
Bettering your bird of prey identification skills can also help keep your pets safe while spending time outdoors.
Likelihood of Birds of Prey Attacking Small Animals
In most cases, a falcon circling over your backyard doesn’t spell doom for your outdoor pets.
But if driven by extreme hunger, birds of prey may attempt to attack and fly away with pets, particularly smaller animals like cats and tiny dogs.
Supervising your pets outdoors is one way to prevent attacks, but it might not always be possible, especially if you cannot keep your pets indoors while you’re away from home.
Still, the greatest threat that birds of prey pose are to your local songbird population.
How Predatory Birds Impact Local Songbird Populations
The most common target among predatory bird species are rodents and juvenile birds.
Though they’re less likely to take down adult birds, they can also capture and kill small songbirds.
Seeing birds of prey snatch up hatchlings or fledglings can be devastating if you’re a birdwatcher or animal lover.
Coupled with the negative impact of other animals, like outdoor cats, predatory birds can significantly lessen the number of songbirds in your area.
Fortunately, there are several humane ways to deter birds of prey from frequenting your property.
Keeping Predatory Birds Away From Your Property
If you’ve recently identified birds of prey hovering around your property, you might be uncertain how to react.
After all, these birds are just as much a part of the natural food web as songbirds, but their impact on local wildlife can be problematic.
Install Opaque Tarps Above Bird Feeding Stations
One of the simplest ways to prevent birds of prey from targeting the songbirds that enjoy frequenting your property is to install opaque tarps above your birdfeed stations.
This solution may not deter hawks and falcons from attacking birds in their nests, but it will offer a little protection for birds while enjoying a meal.
After all, opaque tarps block the line of sight that most predatory birds rely on to target prey animals.
The only potential downsides to this solution are rainwater retention and decreased yard beauty.
Cover Your Yard Areas With Netting
Thick tarps might help protect your local songbirds while enjoying a meal at your birdfeeders, but tarps can retain rainwater and block sunlight.
Additionally, opaque tarps can be an eyesore, and your neighborhood association may prohibit them.
Fortunately, there is a more aesthetically-pleasing alternative that won’t collect rain or block plant-nourishing sunlight, and that is to use netting.
Netting might prevent birds of prey from swooping down to grab small animals from your yard and stop them from making contact with those animals.
Besides, netting is lightweight, durable, and easy to install.
You can choose to cover your entire backyard area or select areas. Either way, you’ll want to ensure the netting is taut and fashioned in a tight-knit grid.
Each opening in the netting should be large enough to allow songbirds in and out but tight enough to block larger birds.
If possible, choose nets with openings measuring between 10 inches and 16 inches.
Place Bird Spikes Along Natural Roosting Areas
Hanging tarps and nets over your yard might not result in the most aesthetically-pleasing outdoor area, especially if you have a large yard.
Suspending these bird prevention materials can also be a time-consuming process.
Due to this reason, you might want to consider bird spikes instead.
Though these tools also require some installation, they don’t retain rainwater like tarps and are effective at keeping predatory bird species from landing on your fencing and roof.
Even better, bird spikes don’t deter smaller songbirds from calling your property home.
These spikes are large enough to keep large birds away but small enough to cause zero harm to small birds.
Most bird spikes come in thin strips that are ideally sized to fit along the edges of your roof or fence, and adhering them to these surfaces is easy as slathering the bottom with a water-proof adhesive or nailing them in place.
If you want a trustworthy option, consider investing in the OFFO Stainless Steel Bird Spikes found on Amazon.com.
These are resistant to rust, and barring strong winds or storm damage, they can last for more than a decade.
They also come in multiple lengths (3.4 feet to 73.7 feet), so you can select multiple sizes to fit your property’s elevated borders.
Invest in Reflective Garden Accessories
Mirrors and reflective surfaces can add a touch of light to your outdoor spaces and repel predatory birds.
Hanging a few old CDs from your trees or installing mirror-covered garden accessories around your yard could be an easy and creative way to say goodbye to local hawks and falcons.
But why do birds of prey avoid sparkly items and surfaces? After all, sparkling items often attract birds like magpies and blue jays.
Why do they have the opposite effect on predatory birds?
The answer may come down to competition.
If a bird of prey is circling an area hoping to spot prey, but they instead see their own reflection, they might interpret that reflection as the presence of another bird.
Because predatory birds can identify other predatory species, as well as prey species, they might flee if they spot “a rival” bird, as these rivals pose a threat, either via competition for food or aggressive attack.
Reflective gazing balls are some of the most decorative outdoor items that can help you deter birds of prey, and they’re far more affordable than floor-length mirrors.
The Folytiy Stainless Steel Gazing Ball on Amazon.com is a fantastic example.
It’s hollow, so it’s easy to pick up and move around, and thanks to its reflective stainless steel surface, it won’t quickly rust away in your garden.
It also comes in multiple sizes, so you can mix and match your chosen gazing balls to create beautiful decor that suits your style and yard size.
Adopt a Backyard Rooster for Extra Protection
This potential solution may not work for everyone.
Those with strict homeowner’s association rules or individuals living in suburban or urban areas may not be allowed to adopt a backyard rooster.
However, if you have plenty of yard space and live in an area that allows for backyard chickens and roosters, owning a rooster could be a fantastic way to deter predatory birds from frequenting your property.
That’s because roosters instinctively make a lot of noise when threatened.
If they spot or sense birds of prey, they’ll emit a siren-like call as a warning of the birds’ approach, which can cause some predatory birds to change direction and flee the surrounding area.
Of course, this option can be somewhat expensive after factoring in the long-term care costs of owning a rooster.
Inappropriate Ways To Interact With Birds of Prey
Though predatory birds can pose a danger to your outdoor pets, especially cats and small dogs, and local songbirds, it’s crucial to remember that several birds of prey are protected by law.
Going out of your way to harm these birds, such as hawks, eagles, and falcons, may result in serious fines or jail time.
Additionally, birds of prey are just as beneficial and natural as other wild bird species.
You may not enjoy seeing them in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they deserve an untimely death.
As such, avoiding acting inappropriately when encountering these birds is crucial.
No matter your feelings about these predatory birds, you should never:
- Attempt to shoot a bird of prey.
- Attempt to trap a bird of prey.
- Destroy a bird of prey’s nest.
- Set out poison in hopes of killing a bird of prey.
These actions can result in serious penalties and unintended consequences, so it’s far better to utilize non-lethal methods to discourage predatory birds from frequenting your home.
If a predatory bird sets up its nest near or on your property, contacting your local wildlife control service is the only appropriate solution.
Not only will such services be able to safely and humanely remove the bird, but you’ll be able to avoid potential injuries and court time.