This small, brightly colored falcon can be seen perched on power lines along roadways and fields. Kestrals are often seen hovering before they strike their prey of insects or small mammals.

Discover more about these small falcons...

Willapa NWR is home to many bald eagles. Look for these large raptors on the ocean beach or perched in tall trees near the bay. It takes four years for the splotchy brown young to develop the white head and tails of adult birds.

Find out more about bald eagles...

Unusually among the refuge’s raptors, the northern harrier has an owl-like roundish head. Look for its slow, rocky flight low above salt marsh, fields and dunes. Females are large and brown, males are smaller and grey. Both sexes have a long tail with a white rump.

Read more about northern harriers...

Sometimes called “fish hawks”, osprey primarily feed on fish. They have reversible outer toes and scalely feet that help them grasp and hold fish. Osprey winter in Mexico and southern California, and breed here at the refuge. Look for large, conspicuous nests on power poles, platforms and dead trees. Listen for their loud series of kyew calls.

Uncover more about osprey...

This mid-sized falcon packs a punch! It hunts for shorebirds and songbirds during the fall, winter and spring months.

Learn more about this pint-sized predator...

This large falcon sports a dark helmet. Known as one of the world’s fastest birds, the Peregrine falcon is frequently seen feeding on the refuge’s shorebirds and ducks.

Discover more about Peregrine falcons...

Red-tailed hawks are a common sight around the refuge. Its dark belly band and red tail are easily recognizable features of this stout hawk.

Find out more about Refuge red-tails...

A bird of the forest and backyards, the sharp-skinned hawk has short, rounded wings and a long tail that help it maneuver in tight places.

Uncover how this small hawk preys on other birds...