Raptors

Specialized in catches small birds, the peregrine falcon is an apex predator of Devils Tower. Diving down to catch its prey, the peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth. Devils Tower National Monument hosts a variety of prey for these birds, in addition to the Tower's crags providing a well-defended place to raise their young. Certain climbing routes on Devils Tower will be closed if a peregrine nests near them.

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Birds of prey, or raptors, include some of the largest and most recognizable species of birds in the park. The word "raptor" is derived from Latin, meaning "one who seizes by force". All raptors are carnivorous, but by filling seperate niches they avoid direct competition with one another, allowing them to coexist here.

 

Turkey vultures are one of the most conspicuous species of bird at Devils Tower during the summer. As scavengers, they play the role of garbage collector, picking at the remains of dead animals. Often seen circling the Tower, they are not waiting for climbers to fall, but rather catching

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Accipitriformes

• Turkey Vulture F*
• Osprey F
• Bald Eagle C
• Northern Harrier U
• Sharp-shinned Hawk U
• Cooper's Hawk U*

Falcons

• American Kestrel F*
• Merlin R
• Peregrine Falcon F
• Prairie Falcon F*

Owls

• Eastern Screech-Owl F*
• Great Horned Owl C*
• Long-eared Owl R
• Short-eared Owl R
• Northern Saw-whet Owl F*

 

Come winter, many of our raptors, such as turkey vultures and peregrine falcons, migrate south while bald and golden eagles become more common.

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LEGEND

C = Common
F = Fairly Common
U = Uncommon
O= Occasional
R = Rare
I = Introduced
* = Breeding