10 Common Birds of Prey You Might See in Colorado

Britannica defines "birds of prey" as birds with hooked beaks and sharp talons that feed on other animals.

You'll want to keep your eyes on the sky because — according to Bird Advisors — there are 39 different birds of prey in Colorado.

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Birds of prey can be divided into two orders: the Falconiformes, or raptors, and Strigiformes, or owls.

Today, we'll explore 10 common birds of prey you can see in the Centennial State.

1. Red-Tailed Hawk

According to Bird Watching Pro, red-tailed hawks live in Colorado year-round and feed on small mammals. The birds are named after their reddish-brown tail.

2. Golden Eagle

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that golden eagles enjoy a variety of habitats in Colorado all year long. In the Centennial State, the birds usually hatch their young in April.

3. Cooper's Hawk

Bird Watching HQ says Cooper's hawks like to live in fields and woods in Colorado year-round. They also frequently visit bird feeders to prey on songbirds.

4. Osprey

According to Bird Advisors, ospreys typically live in Colorado from March to November for the breeding season. The birds' preferred meal is fish, and they frequent bodies of water.

5. Northern Goshawk

Bird Watching Pro notes that northern goshawks live all over Colorado but are found year-round in the western part of the state. You can recognize these birds by the white stripes above their eyes.

6. Peregrine Falcon

Bird Watching HQ reports that Peregrine falcons are particularly fond of nesting in cities but live all over Colorado. The birds can dive faster than a cheetah can run.

7. American Kestrel

Bird Advisors says American kestrels are small falcons that live year-round in Colorado's open fields. The birds primarily hunt insects and small animals.

8. Bald Eagle

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, bald eagles are commonly in Colorado during the summer and winter seasons. The birds often live near reservoirs and rivers like the South Platte, Rio Grande, and Colorado.

9. Turkey Vulture

Bird Watching HQ says you can spot turkey vultures flying in wobbly circles in the Colorado sky. The birds frequently feed on roadkill and in open fields.

10. Great Horned Owl

Bird Watching Pro notes that Great Horned Owls are the most common type in Colorado. They're nocturnal, so watch for them in the trees at night.