Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Nebraska

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

Eagles

There are two types of eagles native to the state.

• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle

The bald eagle population declined seriously during the 20th century due to habitat loss, hunting, and the effect of the insecticide DDT. But sincere conservation efforts, including banning DDT in 1972, have allowed the species to make a significant comeback in Nebraska, leading to their removal from the endangered species list in 2007. All the bald and golden eagles are now protected under federal and state acts.

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
• Harris’s Hawk (Accidental)
• Zone-tailed Hawk (Accidental)

Falcons

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

Peregrine falcons, the fastest birds on the planet, favor open spaces. They usually nest on cliff faces but have also adapted to nesting on city skyscrapers.

Ospreys

• Osprey

Harriers

• Northern Harrier

This harrier is a permanent and migrant resident across the state. It breeds locally.

Nebraska offers countless opportunities to discover its diverse wildlife. Winter and early spring are the best times to view eagles in Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala, Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area, Harlan County Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area.