Golden eagles are found throughout Nevada. They are some of the most powerful birds in the world, and are only outsized by condors and some species of vultures. Eagles weigh as much as 20 pounds, and have a wide wingspan that gives them the power to soar for long distances and to take off from the ground with their prey held in their talons. They usually nest on cliffs, and usually return to the same nest year after year.
Though there are many species of hawks found in northern Nevada, the most common is the red-tailed hawk. The average size of red-tailed hawk is from 17 - 22 inches; most weigh about 2.5 pounds. Red-tailed hawks are typically dark brown with a noticeable shade of red to their tail area. They migrate south towards Mexico and even South America when the weather turns cool.
Falcons are related to hawks, but they are in a separate scientific family — Falconidae. While they are found throughout the world, northern Nevada is home to the Prairie Falcon and the American Kestrel.
Prairie falcons typically hunt low to the ground, flushing their prey into the open. While eagles and hawks build elaborate nests, falcons don’t build nests at all — instead laying their eggs on bare cliff ledges or sometimes using an old nest of a raven or other larger bird.
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon. They hunt in a slightly different manner than falcons, in that they tend to hover over one spot until prey is spotted. Then they swoop down on it for the kill. Kestrels may watch one spot by sitting on a pole, tree or wire, or by kiting in the wind. Also unlike their falcon cousins, kestrels nest inside old trees or in nesting boxes, rather than nesting in the open.
Who doesn’t love to hear the hoot of an owl? These grand hunters are the farmers best friend, as they feed mainly on mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits and even skunks. One of the most common owls in our area is the great horned owl. Also found in northern Nevada, though not in such great numbers are the burrowing owl and the barn owl.
Burrowing owls tolerate humans quite well, and sometimes build their nests quite close to human activity. They live in underground burrows, rather than in treetops, and are active in the daytime.
