Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Oregon

Oregon has a variety of hawks, eagles, and falcons, from the diminutive sharp-shinned hawk to our nation’s first bird, the bald eagle. Some of these birds of prey are migratory, while many live here all year and can be seen hunting along roadside posts, rivers, and fields.

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Oregon

Eagles

There are two types of eagles native to Oregon.

Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle

Bald eagles flock to Oregon from the Atlantic states and Canada every winter, seeking warmer temperatures, sheltering roost areas, and abundant food supply (fish and waterfowl). They nest from January to August.

Hawks

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
American Goshawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Swainson’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk
Zone-tailed Hawk (Accidental)

The sharp-shinned hawk is the smallest in the state. Though in some parts of Oregon, they migrate to warmer climates in the winter, these birds can be found across the state.

Falcons

American Kestrel
Merlin
Gyrfalcon
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon
Crested Caracara (Accidental)

Ospreys

Osprey

Harriers

Northern Harrier

Birders can view bald eagles and their nests in Skinner Butte Park along the Willamette River in Eugene. Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon sees around fifty migratory bald eagles join about forty year-round resident bald and golden eagles in winter. The Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary near Astoria, also known as the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge, is an excellent place to see the rescued birds. The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve, Smith & Bybee Urban Wetlands, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge are some of the best places to see hawks and harriers.