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Large Birds in the Midwest

Wild prairies and tree-lined waterways scattered throughout the Midwest provide natural refuge for many bird species. Whether you're hiking on the Loess Hills trails or gazing from a lookout over the Mississippi River, keep an eye open for large birds native to the area. You may spot an owl, falcon, hawk or bald eagle perched high in the treetops or on an old fence post.

Bald Eagle
- In areas of little development, bald eagles roost high in the tree tops, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These large, white-headed birds gravitate to rivers, lakes and ponds where they can swoop down and pluck fish from the water. Groves of cottonwood, sycamore and pine trees along the two major Midwestern rivers--the Missouri and the Mississippi--often harbor bald eagles.
Long-Eared Owl
- Residents of rural farming communities often enjoy long-eared owl sightings. When this large, Midwestern bird leaves its low nest in evergreen trees, it flies over tall grasslands in search of small rodents for dinner. Its diet makes the owl a welcome predator around farms: the more it eats, the less crops are lost to mice and gophers. Since the long-eared owl spends time in both forests and open areas, bird enthusiasts refer to it as an edge species.
Peregrine Falcon
- Standing at 15 to 20 inches in height, the peregrine falcon is difficult to miss. Also known as a "duck hawk," this large bird sports a dark black hood over a cream-colored face. In the 1970's the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service named the peregrine falcon an endangered species. In 1999 it was removed from the endangered list, as nesting programs had successfully increased populations in the Midwest and Eastern portions of the United States.
Whooping Crane
- The whooping crane flies through Indiana, either solo or in small groups of three to six birds, during its annual spring and fall migratory trips to and from the Gulf region. This large, white bird with black-tipped wings contrasts against blue sky, making it easy to spot. Whooping cranes often flock near sandhill cranes in wetland marsh areas where together they feed on frogs, clams and vegetation. The whooping crane stands approximately 5 feet tall.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Like the bald eagle, the red-shouldered hawk prefers areas untouched by man. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends looking for hawks in large, undisturbed forests of maples and cottonwoods. To mate a pair of red-shouldered hawks needs a minimum area of 250 forested acres.

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