Related CDFW Links

• Hunting Program
• Wildlife Investigations Lab
• Conservation Planning Program
• California Endangered Species Act
• Environmental Review and Species Take Permits

Raptors of California

The word "raptor" is the term used for a group of birds consisting of hawks, falcons, kites, eagles, vultures and owls. Raptors, also referred to as "birds of prey", are a valuable resource to the State of California, and therefore are protected under State law (See Fish and Game Code, Sections 3503, 3503.5, 3505 and 3513, and California Code of Regulation, Title 14, Sections 251.1, 652 and 783-786.6). There are over 30 species of raptors that inhabit California at some point in their life cycle. Below are links to various raptor species pages where detailed information on each is given.

Fully Protected Raptors

• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle
• White-tailed Kite
• California Condor
• Peregrine Falcon

State Threatened and Endangered Raptors

• California Condor
• Bald Eagle
• Swainson's Hawk
• Elf Owl
• Great Grey Owl

Raptor Species of Special Concern

• Northern Goshawk
• Northern Harrier
• California Spotted Owl
• Burrowing Owl
• Short-eared Owl
• Long-eared Owl

Other California Raptors

• Northern Spotted Owl
• Cooper's Hawk
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Ferruginous Hawk
• Osprey
• Harris' Hawk
• Merlin
• Prairie Falcon
• Red-tailed hawk
• Red-shouldered hawk
• American Kestrel
• Broad-winged hawk
• Rough-legged hawk
• Great-horned owl
• Barn owl
• Screech owl
• Turkey Vulture

Resources

• California and Nevada Golden Eagle Working Group
• CDFW Collecting and Research Take Permits
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Program
• CDFW Renewable Energy Program
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wind Energy Development Information
• CDFW Document Library

Survey and Monitoring Protocols and Guidelines for Birds.

If you have questions regarding raptors in California please contact Carie Battistone at Carie.Battistone@wildlife.ca.gov.