Large Birds in Virginia: Majestic Raptors, Waders and Scavengers Soar (2024)

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When seeking out Virginia’s large birds, you’ll be awestruck by majestic raptors like bald eagles – our national symbol with wingspans over 6 feet.

The scarce golden eagle graces mountain valleys.

While peregrine falcons, among the world’s fastest, reclaim historic nesting cliffs.

Marvel at soaring Mississippi kites hunting insects.

Or fish-diving ospreys whose populations quadrupled since 1970.

The state’s wetlands host long-legged waders like great blue herons and egrets stalking shallow waters.

Massive sandhill cranes and turkey vultures capable of weighing 10 pounds patrol open areas.

Discover more of these formidable feathered giants as we explore further.

Bald Eagles

You’re likely already familiar with the bald eagle, the majestic national bird of the United States and the largest bird species in Virginia. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, their populations have recovered remarkably, allowing you to spot these magnificent fish-eating raptors soaring overhead almost anywhere across the state.

Largest Bird Species in Virginia

You’re in for a treat when you spot Virginia’s largest bird – the magnificent Bald Eagle. These raptors, with wingspans reaching over 6 feet, effortlessly soar overhead, scouting for their next meal of fish from pristine waters. Their striking appearance and impressive hunting skills make for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

National Bird of the U.S

You’ll be awed to know the bald eagle, with its:

1. Striking white head
2. Iconic yellow beak
3. Powerful talons

This majestic raptor isn’t just Virginia’s largest bird—it’s America’s national symbol. Revered for its historic and cultural significance, the bald eagle embodies strength, freedom, and resilience through successful conservation efforts.

Soars Overhead Almost Anywhere in the State

As the national bird of America, you can spot bald eagles soaring gracefully across Virginia’s skies. Their impressive wingspans allow them to coast effortlessly on thermal currents, scanning the landscape below for their next meal.

Habitat	Migration	Conservation	Population
Woodlands, coastlines	Long-distance	Protected species	Increasing steadily

With strong conservation efforts, these majestic raptors now thrive throughout the state.

Mainly Eats Fish

You’ll often spot bald eagles soaring majestically overhead, as they primarily hunt fish in Virginia’s abundant waterways and coastal areas. Their keen eyesight and powerful talons make them formidable predators of:

• Shad and herring
• Bass and trout
• Catfish and carp
• Waterfowl and carrion

Their remarkable 6-8 foot wingspan allows effortless gliding, while honing in on aquatic prey.

Populations Have Recovered Thanks to Conservation Efforts

Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagle populations have rebounded spectacularly. As you soar overhead, witnessing their majestic flight, you can’t help but feel awe. From mere hundreds of nesting pairs in the 1960s, their numbers now exceed 71,400 across the U.S. – a true affirmation of our collective commitment to preserving nature’s wonders.

Species	1970s Population	Current Population
Bald Eagle	Near extinction	71,400 nesting pairs
Peregrine Falcon	Decimated by DDT	Fully recovered
Osprey	Declining rapidly	4x increase since 1970

Golden Eagles

You’ll find golden eagles, one of the largest raptors in North America, in the mountains and valleys of Virginia, though their population is scarce in the eastern part of the continent. Despite their sparse numbers in the East, estimated at around 5,000 birds, conservation efforts have enabled this majestic species to increase since the 1970s.

Widespread in the West, Scarce in Eastern North America

While golden eagles are widespread in the western states, you’ll find them scarce in eastern North America. However, their majestic presence adds to Virginia’s avian biodiversity. They:

1. Prefer open habitats
2. Undertake long migrations
3. Face conservation challenges

Despite their scarcity east of the Mississippi, these raptors fascinate with their power and grace when spotted soaring overhead.

Eastern Golden Eagle Population Estimated at 5,000 Birds

You may be surprised to learn that the eastern golden eagle population is estimated at a mere 5,000 birds. These majestic raptors, while widespread out West, are quite scarce in the eastern parts of North America. However, Virginia serves as a core wintering state for this eastern golden eagle population.

Found in the Mountains and Valleys of Virginia

You’ll find these impressive golden eagles soaring over Virginia’s rugged mountain ranges and pastoral valleys during winter. These birds make the Commonwealth their wintering grounds, concentrating in areas rich with open fields and forests where prey abounds. Witness their broad wings silently gliding on thermals as they search for their next meal.

Populations Have Increased Since the 1970s

You’ll be thrilled to learn that Golden Eagle populations have steadily increased since the 1970s.

These majestic birds, though scarce in the East, find a haven in Virginia’s rugged mountains and valleys – part of their historic range.

With a rebounding Eastern population estimated at 5,000 birds, their global distribution is expanding.

They are returning to breed on natural cliffs and human-made structures alike after DDT’s devastating impact.

Mississippi Kites

You’ll find the Mississippi kite, a long-distance migrant, spreading its breeding range northward into Virginia. Hunting insects mid-air, this species frequents the I-95 corridor and Northern Virginia suburbs, its global population surging by 25% between 1970 and 2014.

Long-distance Migrant

You’ll spot the Mississippi Kite, a long-distance migrant, soaring overhead during its annual journey across Virginia. These graceful raptors follow a unique migrating pattern, traversing vast distances to reach their preferred habitats. Understanding their geographic range and adaptations to diverse environments highlights their remarkable impact on local ecosystems.

Expanding Northward as a Breeder

You’re witnessing the Mississippi Kite’s expansion as a breeder into new northern territories. Habitat loss and climate change are driving these long-distance migrants to colonize urban areas, adapting to smaller insect populations. Their success symbolizes nature’s resilience amidst human-induced environmental pressures.

Hunts Medium to Large Insects in Flight

You’re likely to spot the long-winged Mississippi Kite soaring over Northern Virginia, hunting insects in flight. This long-distance migrant expands its breeding range, their global population increasing 25% from 1970-2014. As opportunistic aerial hunters, they skillfully snatch medium to large insects from the sky.

Found in the I-95 Corridor and Northern Virginia Suburbs

You’re most likely to spot the graceful Mississippi Kite soaring over the I-95 corridor and suburbs of Northern Virginia. These long-distance migrants have expanded their breeding range, favoring open spaces where they can effortlessly pursue their insect prey. Habitat loss remains a concern, but conservation efforts aim to safeguard their urban oases.

Global Population Increased 25% From 1970 to 2014

Speaking of the Mississippi Kite’s expanding range, you’ll be pleased to learn their global population increased 25% from 1970 to 2014 – a true conservation success! This growth can be attributed to:

1. Protecting nesting habitats
2. Reducing pesticide use
3. Mitigating climate impacts
4. Managing urban development

Their remarkable recovery underscores the importance of proactive conservation measures to sustain healthy raptor populations.

Peregrine Falcons

The peregrine falcon, renowned for being one of the swiftest avian species globally, is making a remarkable comeback in Virginia’s mountain habitats. After being decimated by the pesticide DDT, conservation efforts have enabled these aerial predators to reclaim their historic breeding grounds, with their populations growing substantially as they nest on both natural cliff faces and man-made structures.

One of the Fastest Birds in the World

You’re about to meet the Peregrine Falcon, one of nature’s record-breakers for aerial speed. This fierce hunter can dive at over 200 mph, making it a formidable predator capable of striking prey in mid-air. Once threatened by DDT pesticides, conservation efforts have helped these magnificent falcons reclaim their rightful place in Virginia’s mountains.

Global Distribution

You’ll find peregrine falcons everywhere, from cities to mountains – they’ve a global distribution. Their conservation status has improved after bans on harmful pesticides like DDT, but habitat loss still threatens their migratory patterns and nesting sites. Protecting key areas is essential for this widely-traveled raptor’s continued recovery.

Returning to Historic Mountain Breeding Areas in Virginia

You’ll also find Peregrine Falcons returning to their historical mountain breeding grounds in Virginia. These incredible birds were once nearly wiped out, but thanks to conservation efforts, they’re reclaiming their rightful place. As you witness their swift aerial maneuvers, you can’t help but marvel at nature’s resilience.

Nests on Natural Cliff Faces and Artificial Structures

You’ll find these speedy falcons nesting on rocky cliffs and towering skyscrapers alike. They scavenge nesting materials like twigs, bark strips, and even wire to construct their eyries. Here are some fascinating peregrine facts:

• Prefer tall, inaccessible nesting sites near open spaces for hunting
• Incorporate man-made structures into their habitat
• Artificial nesting platforms aid in urban conservation efforts

Populations Have Grown Substantially Since Being Decimated by DDT

You might remember the devastating impact of DDT on peregrine falcon populations. But thanks to conservation efforts, including habitat protection and public awareness, their numbers have rebounded dramatically since the 1970s.

Region	Population Growth
Eastern US	208% increase
Western US	94% increase
Global	64% increase

This remarkable recovery showcases the power of dedication to preserving our natural world.

Osprey

Osprey populations have rebounded remarkably, quadrupling since 1970 thanks to conservation efforts. These striking raptors plunge feet-first from great heights to seize fish from waters across Virginia’s coastal regions and inland rivers.

Populations Have Quadrupled Since 1970

Osprey populations have made a remarkable comeback—they’ve quadrupled since 1970! This soaring conservation success story highlights:

• Banning harmful pesticides like DDT
• Protecting nesting sites and habitats
• Monitoring breeding pairs and productivity
• Public education and community involvement
• Collaborative efforts across agencies and organizations

With continued vigilance, these fish hawks will keep thriving in Virginia’s skies.

Dive Into Water to Catch Fish

You’ve likely witnessed an osprey dive from high above, plunging feet-first into the water to seize fish with its razor-sharp talons. These aerial fishers possess exceptional eyesight for spotting prey beneath the surface, favoring shallow waters teeming with abundance. Their fishing prowess is a mesmerizing display of nature’s remarkable adaptations.

Turkey Vultures

You’re likely familiar with the sight of turkey vultures soaring overhead, their distinctive red heads and large wingspans unmistakable. These scavengers rely on an incredibly keen sense of smell to locate carrion across vast distances, using thermals to glide effortlessly while searching for their next meal.

Wingspan: 27 Inches

With a 27-inch wingspan, the turkey vulture soars effortlessly, hunting with its keen eyesight and sense of smell. These scavengers:

1. Patrol open areas and roadsides
2. Clean up carrion, playing a critical ecological role
3. Can weigh up to 10 pounds, yet gracefully glide on thermals

Vultures help prevent disease spread, making them invaluable in Virginia’s diverse habitats. Their populations remain stable thanks to conservation efforts.

Scavengers

You’re right, turkey vultures are scavengers, feeding almost exclusively on carrion. As nature’s cleanup crew, they play a critical role by consuming decaying animals and reducing the spread of disease. Though they may seem unpleasant, these birds are essential to ecosystems as they help recycle nutrients and support other species dependent on carrion.

Keen Sense of Smell

You’re impressed by the turkey vulture’s keen sense of smell. These scavengers can detect the faint odors of decaying flesh from miles away:

• Olfactory receptors vastly outnumber those in humans
• Can identify specific odors at minuscule concentrations
• Essential for locating carrion and fulfilling their scavenging role
• Smell detection likely evolved to scavenge more efficiently

Found Across North and South America

Whether soaring over the Appalachians or scavenging suburban streets, you’ll spot Turkey Vultures across our continent. These feathered scavengers thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from forests to deserts – wherever a free meal awaits. With their incredible sense of smell guiding their diet of carrion, these masters of recycling make sure nature’s cleanup crew stays on the job.

Can Weigh Up to 10 Pounds

You’ll be surprised to learn that turkey vultures, often seen soaring effortlessly overhead, can weigh up to 10 pounds! Despite their impressive size, these scavengers primarily subsist on carrion, using their keen sense of smell to locate decaying flesh. Easily identified by their red, featherless heads and distinctive V-shaped glide, turkey vultures thrive across diverse habitats throughout North and South America.

Great Blue Herons

You’re sure to spot the majestic great blue heron if you visit shallow waterways or wetlands in Virginia. With a wingspan close to 80 inches and weighing around 4-5 pounds, this wading bird patiently stalks its prey by standing still in shallow waters, waiting for the opportune moment to strike with its long, sharp beak.

Wingspan: Close to 80 Inches

With a wingspan close to 80 inches, the Great Blue Heron‘s majestic silhouette commands attention as it soars overhead. You’ll find these fascinating birds:

• Wading in shallow wetlands and marshes
• Perched atop trees, scouting for prey
• Migrating along major flyways each season
• Hunting fish, amphibians, and small mammals
• Benefiting from conservation efforts across their range

Weighs 4-5 Pounds

At 4-5 pounds, the Great Blue Heron weighs heavy for its size. This weight aids in stalking shallow waters, patiently awaiting unsuspecting prey.

Weight (lbs)	Description
4	Lower end for mature adults
4.5	Average weight
5	Upper limit for larger individuals
3	Juvenile weight before full maturity
2	Newly hatched chick weight

Their patient hunting style makes them masters of wetland habitats.

Hunts in Shallow Waters

You’ll often spot great blue herons stalking shallow waters like ponds, marshes, and river edges. Adept at hunting fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects, they thrive in these wet habitats during breeding season. As migratory birds, they frequent particular shallow water haunts on their journey northward each spring.

Stands Still to Catch Prey

You’ll often see the great blue heron standing stock-still in shallow waters, keen eyes fixed on the slightest movement below the surface. These wading birds are masters of patience, waiting motionless until the perfect moment to strike, plunging their dagger-like beaks into the water to snatch their aquatic prey with surgical precision.

Migrates Through West Virginia

Speaking of standing still, you can witness Great Blue Herons migrating through West Virginia. These stately birds are:

• On a determined migratory path
• Stopping at wetlands and rivers
• Relying on healthy stopover habitats
• Interacting with local species
• Adapting to changing climates

Their migration reminds us of nature’s resilience and our role in conservation.

Double-crested Cormorants

You’re likely to spot double-crested cormorants around Virginia’s waterways, where these large aquatic birds float and plunge into the depths to snatch fish with their hooked bills. With a wingspan of around 46 inches and weighing 3-5 pounds, cormorants often perch on rocks or docks, spreading their wings to dry after spending time submerged hunting their prey.

Wingspan: 46 Inches

With a wingspan of 46 inches, double-crested cormorants are impressive aerial hunters. Imagine these sleek, aquatic birds gracefully gliding above lakes and rivers, their large wings propelling them on migratory routes. Compare their size to an eagle’s expansive wingspan for perspective on their commanding presence in Virginia’s wetlands.

Weighs 3-5 Pounds

These diving birds weigh around 3-5 pounds – a perfect size for seizing fish from wetland habitats. You might spot double-crested cormorants in marshes or near lakes, their bodies streamlined for plunging underwater. Though adaptable, they face threats like water pollution that can contaminate the fish they consume.

Floats on Water and Dives to Catch Fish

You’ll often spot these sleek swimmers floating on lakes and rivers, their keen eyes scanning for fish below. When they spot prey, they dive headfirst into the water with wings folded back, propelling themselves to impressive depths to snatch fish with their hooked bills. Their fishing techniques showcase an impressive mastery of aquatic hunting.

Hangs Out on Rocks and Docks to Dry

After diving for fish, you’ll spot double-crested cormorants perched on rocks or docks, wings outspread—an amusing sight! This "drying" behavior helps release excess water and warm their feathers. These slender birds frequent waterways, benefiting from conservation efforts that have boosted their populations across many regions.

Found in Water Environments

You’ll find double-crested cormorants in:

1. Waterfowl habitats
2. Coastal environments
3. Estuarine ecology

These aquatic birds float on the water’s surface, diving to catch fish with their hooked bills. Their webbed feet and wading behaviors make them well-adapted for life in wetlands and shallow waters.

Great Egrets

You’ll find the great egret, a large wading bird with an impressive wingspan up to 57 inches, stalking shallow waters in Virginia’s wetlands for fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.

Similar to cormorants in their hunting behavior, these stately white birds weighing over 2 pounds patiently stand or slowly walk through the shallows.

They stab their long bills into the water when prey is sighted.

Wingspan: Up to 57 Inches

With their majestic wingspan of up to 57 inches, Great Egrets are a [WORDS TO FIND AND REPLACE] sight in Virginia’s wetlands. These elegant waders employ a variety of hunting strategies, from patiently stalking shallow waters to gracefully snatching fish mid-flight. While their populations have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, habitat loss remains a concern for these remarkable birds.

Weighs Over 2 Pounds

Great Egrets weigh over 2 pounds, with larger individuals reaching upwards of 3 pounds. This substantial weight enables them to:

• Wade effortlessly through shallow wetlands
• Maintain stability during windy conditions
• Defend prime feeding territories aggressively
• Gorge on abundant prey during bountiful seasons
• Sustain lengthy migratory journeys each year

Despite their impressive size, Great Egret populations face ongoing habitat loss and water pollution threats across their range.

Stalk Shallow Waters for Food

With their long, slender necks and dagger-like bills, great egrets hunt by stalking shallow waters like tidal flats and coastal marshes.

You’ll spot them patiently wading, alert to tidal patterns that concentrate prey.

Their calculated steps and lightning strikes target fish, crustaceans, even small mammals unlucky enough to cross their path.

Conserving these essential foraging grounds is key to their continued success amid intensifying coastal development and resource competition.

Similar to Cormorants in Hunting Behavior

Like cormorants, you’ll find great egrets stalking slowly through shallow waters, their long necks poised to strike at unsuspecting prey. These avian hunters employ:

• Patient stalking
• Lightning-fast bill strikes
• Keen eyesight to spot small fish and amphibians

Observing their hunting techniques offers insights into wetland ecology and the importance of conserving these essential habitats.

Found in Wetlands

You’ll find great egrets stalking shallow wetlands across Virginia, their snowy plumes a breathtaking sight. These majestic waders thrive in diverse marshes and swamps, adding a touch of elegance to these precious ecosystems. Appreciating wetland birdlife offers a glimpse into nature’s delicate balance, inspiring conservation efforts to safeguard these habitats.

Habitat Type	Activities	Species Highlights	Conservation Importance	Eco-tourism Draw
Freshwater Marshes	Bird-watching, Hiking, Kayaking	Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Bitterns	Filter Pollutants, Flood Control	Guided Tours, Photography Workshops
Tidal Wetlands	Boating, Fishing, Crabbing	Ospreys, Terns, Shorebirds	Nursery Grounds, Storm Buffers	Wildlife Cruises, Seafood Festivals
Swamp Forests	Wildlife Viewing, Camping	Wood Ducks, Prothonotary Warblers	Carbon Sinks, Habitat Corridors	Canoe Trails, Night Hikes

Sandhill Cranes

With their impressive wingspans approaching 80 inches, sandhill cranes are certainly among Virginia’s larger birds. These tall wading birds patrol grassy fields and marshlands, foraging for grains, insects, and small animals while forming large migratory flocks during their seasonal journeys.

Wingspan: Approaches 80 Inches

With wingspans approaching an impressive 80 inches, Sandhill Cranes are a sight to behold during their majestic migrations across Virginia. These stately birds with their distinct crimson crowns undertake long journeys every year, their massive wingspans allowing them to soar effortlessly through the skies.

Patrol Grass and Marshlands

You’ll find Sandhill Cranes patrolling grassy fields and marshlands across Virginia. These migratory birds prefer open habitats for nesting and feeding grounds during their journey. Protecting these essential wetland areas is paramount for their survival, as they serve as stopover sites along their ancient migration routes.

Eat Grains, Insects, and Small Animals

You’ll often see sandhill cranes patrolling grasslands and marshes, hunting for:

• Grains like corn and wheat
• Insects like grasshoppers and crickets
• Small animals like mice, snakes, and frogs

Their varied diet sustains these large birds during breeding seasons and migrations. Responsibly managing crane habitats helps maintain healthy populations for wildlife viewing and regulated hunting.

Form Large Migratory Flocks

You’ll witness Sandhill Cranes‘ impressive migration patterns as they form large, noisy flocks overhead. Their numbers reflect conservation efforts’ success, but climate change and habitat loss threaten prey abundance. Appreciating these majestic birds while safeguarding their future underscores our role as responsible environmental stewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)