Take this quiz to see which raptor you are most like!
You are a formidable and stunning predator! The Steller's sea eagle has heavy-duty claws and a powerful hooked beak—among the largest of any raptor in the world. This strong bird has striking dark brown plumage with wings and a tail that are white. Its beak and talons are bright yellow. This particular species, which is native to the Asian side of the N. Pacific, is similar to bald eagles we see throughout the U.S. in that their health and survival is tied to the need to maintain healthy coastlines, rivers, and waterways where they hunt for food.
You have a need for speed and no fear of heights! The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, and one of the fastest animals, in the world. While hunting, these nimble predators can dive at speeds of more than 200 mph. Peregrines are strikingly beautiful, with distinct blueish-black coloration on its back, and a barred pattern underneath. It has almost a helmet-like dark head, which sharply contrasts with the pale sides of its neck and white throat. This is one of the world's most widespread and adaptable raptors and—depending on the season—they can be found in urban and rural areas from the Arctic tundra to the tropics.
You are a visionary ... or maybe you just have great vision! Red-tailed hawks have amazing long-range eyesight to assist in hunting, and they can spot even small movements of prey from great distances. This awesome and bold bird is a beautiful sight. Its coloration can vary depending on genetics, but it generally has a white underside with a dark brown band across the middle—and adult birds typically have a rich rufous brick-red colored tail. This species is highly adaptable to multiple habitats and can be found in many areas throughout much of N. America.
Snowy owls are beautiful to behold—with males being pure white and females mostly white with dark brown bars and spots. This species is adapted to the snowy cold Arctic, living most of its life in open, treeless areas called tundra where they are migratory and nomadic. In years when their main prey of lemmings is scarce, snowy owls may fly south through Canada and the northern U.S., including Washington state, in search of food. (Psssst! There is a rumour this species is keen on wizards and magic, but we have not personally seen evidence of this!)
Small but mighty the burrowing owl is both cute and fierce! This long-legged, pint-sized predator (they're only only 8-11" tall) can be found throughout the open grasslands, rangelands and Great Plains of the Americas—where their neutral brown and white feather pattern helps them blend in with the habitat. Burrowing owls roost in underground burrows and are most active at dusk and dawn when they hunt for beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, mice and small lizards. YUM!
You are a scavenger with an iron stomach that can neutralize all kinds of dangerous germs and bacteria! With nearly black plumage, a huge wingspan and a bright red head, you are the perfect mix of dark and bold. Vultures are migratory birds, often travelling long distances. They prefer open spaces where they can "ride the thermals" (drifting through upward currents of warm air) and survey the ground below for dead and decaying animals. They fulfill a vital role in the environment by cleaning up carcasses and keeping the ecosystem healthy!
What do you like to wear?
How adaptable are you?
Where is your happy place?
What could be your claim to fame?
In what temperatures are you most comfortable?
When you make a meal, your go-to is:
Pick one: