Raptors and Vultures of Columbia County, Oregon

Raptors are the diurnal birds of prey, hunting rodents, rabbits, snakes, fish, and smaller birds in our skies.

bald eagle columbia county oregon — **Bald Eagle** – Characteristic white head and huge bill. Juveniles without white head identified by mottled white underwings. Hunts fish, steals from other birds, and eats carrion. (Photo © Jeremy Matlock BLM)

**Golden Eagle** – Has uniform brown underwings and narrower bill than Bald Eagle. Typically found east of Cascades but sometimes passes through here during the winter. (Photo © Patrick Durlam)

osprey columbia county oregon — **Osprey** – Unique black eyeline on white head. The “fish hawk” plentiful around any water body, where it can be seen swooping down to pull fish from the water. (Photo © Susan Young)

northern harrier marsh hawk columbia county oregon — **Northern Harrier –** Clear white patch on rump. Hunts small animals in fields and wetlands by flying over them with its bobbing flight. Also called “Marsh Hawk”. (Photo © Tom Koerner USFWS)

**Rough-legged Hawk** – Variable but best recognized by the dark “wrist” patches or frosty upper body. A large hawk rare in our area, mostly spotted in open areas in winter. (Photo © Alan Schmierer)

red-tailed hawk columbia county oregon — **Red-tailed Hawk** – Variable, juveniles and some adults lack red tail. Can be found anywhere in the county year-round but prefers open space to hunt, primarily taking rodents. (Photo © Mark Nikas)

red-shouldered hawk columbia county oregon — **Red-shouldered Hawk** – A medium-sized hawk identified by rust-colored shoulders and black-and-white plummage. Rarely seen in our area, preferring trees near wetlands. (Photo © Alan Schmierer)

Cooper's hawk columbia county oregon — **Cooper’s Hawk** – An “accipiter”, the hawks known for faster wingbeats. Tends to hide in well-foliated trees, waiting for unsuspecting pigeons and songbirds to approach. (Photo © Alan Schmierer)

**Sharp-shinned Hawk** – The smaller version of the Cooper’s Hawk, with dark cap extending down nape, narrower head and hips, and more flattened-off tail. (Photo © Alan Schmierer)

peregrine falcon columbia county oregon — **Peregrine Falcon** – Our largest falcon and has a distinct black facemask. Hunts ducks and other birds. Can be found nesting on bridges and high-rises within sight of water. (Photo © Gregory Smith)

**Merlin** – Our medium-sized falcon, its facemask lacks the distinctiveness of its larger and smaller cousins. Usually found in forest near wetland openings or clearcuts. (Photo © cgates326)

american kestrel columbia county oregon — **American Kestrel –** Our smallest and most colorful falcon. It is common in fields and meadows throughout the county, tending to hunt small rodents, reptiles, and bugs. (Photo © Patricia)

**Turkey Vulture** – Soars high in the sky seeking out dead flesh by smell and sight. Holds its wings in a “V” while flying, unlike straight-winged hawks. (Photo © Jon David Nelson)

Other raptors sometimes seen on rare occasions as they pass through Columbia County are the White-tailed Kite, Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Gyrfalcon, and Prairie Falcon.

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