<p><br>
The most common hawk in North America, red-tails can often be seen atop utility poles and other lofty perches, on the lookout for potential prey.</p>

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<p><br>
The most common owl in North and South America, the great horned owl has adapted to a wide variety of habitats and climates.</p>

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<p><br>
Once an endangered species in the United States, North American peregrine falcon populations have made a great comeback due to bans on usage of DDT and similar pesticides.</p>

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<p><br>
Holding its prey down with powerful talons, a Steller's sea eagle displays its wings, which can have a span of over 6 feet (2 meters).</p>

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<p><br>
The snowy owl's beautiful white plumage helps to hide it in its Arctic habitat. Only the males are completely white. Chicks are dark and spotted, while the females are white with spots on their wings.</p>

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<p><br>
This small, secretive owl is considered one of the rarest of owls. It is entirely nocturnal, spending the day concealed in dense spruce or a hollow tree. It preys mainly on rodents.</p>

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<p><br>
The burrowing owl makes its home in the treeless, shortgrass country of western North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. It depends mainly on the abandoned burrows of prairie dogs for nesting sites and shelter.</p>

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<p><br>
The Cuban screech owl is endemic to Cuba, where it is found in wooded areas, often nesting in abandoned woodpecker holes.</p>

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<p><br>
To breed and raise its young, the northern spotted owl requires up to 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of old-growth forest.</p>

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1 / 9

<p><br> The most common hawk in North America, red-tails can often be seen atop utility poles and other lofty perches, on the lookout for potential prey.</p>

Red-Tailed Hawk

The most common hawk in North America, red-tails can often be seen atop utility poles and other lofty perches, on the lookout for potential prey.

Photograph by Rich Reid

Animals
Photo Gallery

Raptors

See raptor pictures (including owls, falcons, and hawks) in this photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published November 18, 2009

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