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Aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis) - A year-round resident of southeastern Texas, this strikingly marked bird of prey is relatively scarce. However, signs are that it's slowly expanding its range.

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Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) - Wide-open prairie, grassland, and tundra is the preferred habitat of this large and relatively uncommon bird of prey. For the most part silent, you'll need a keen eye and lots of patience in order to cross it off your list.

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Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) - One of two eagles native to North America (the other being the bald eagle), this majestic raptor's realm is the continent's mountainous terrains.

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Swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus) - Watching these aerodynamic birds scythe through the air at speed is a beguiling experience. The svelte raptor breeds throughout the southeastern United States.

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Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) - Common in most of Central America and northern regions of South America, you'll need to be in the southernmost parts of the United States, including Florida, to catch a glimpse of this species.

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Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) - Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph during its characteristic hunting dive, this sleek falcon is the fastest member of the animal kingdom.

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Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) - The largest member of the falcon species, this graceful bird is only found on Arctic coasts and tundra. You'll need to head up to the islands off Alaska to train your binoculars on it.

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Gray hawk (Buteo plagiatus) -

Arizona's far south and pockets of southeastern Texas are the only regions in the US where you're likely to spy this stocky raptor, and only during the summer months.

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American kestrel (Falco sparverius) - The smallest falcon species stands out for its dapper, tawny ink-blue plumage. Widespread across the entire continent, it's usually seen hovering in the air above fields and plains.

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Northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) -

This slender raptor is the only harrier found in North America. A shy bird, it's usually seen hunting on the wing, gliding over tall grass and marshland.

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Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) - Found in forests across the nation, this bird prefers to nest in the country's northern reaches, hence its name. Its relatively small numbers make this bird a treat to observe.

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Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) -

Residing from southern Canada through the western United States and into northern Mexico, the prairie falcon is best spotted in arid, open country.

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Merlin (Falco columbarius) - This sprightly species moves with the seasons. In summer, look for it in the northern reaches of the country. Winter sees it in central and western states, and as far south as the tip of Florida.

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Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) -

A diet consisting almost entirely of fish sees this singular bird of prey patrolling coastlines, lakes, and rivers year-round across the USA.

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Broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) - The smallest member of the buzzard family, what it lacks in statue it makes up for in social skills. This handsome hawk is known for its large numbers and flocks during its migration period.

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Mississippi kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) -

A graceful, diminutive species, Mississippi kites breed across the central and southern United States, and have even been recorded as far north as New Hampshire.

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Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) -

Sometimes referred to as a "chicken hawk," this medium-sized raptor is identified by it reddish-barred chests and honey-colored eyes. Pictured is an immature species.

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Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) - Very much a loner, this hawk winters across the northern US states, where it can often be seen spiraling or hovering over the same area for hours. Another characteristic is the bird's ability to perch at the very top of a tree.

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Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) - The entire country is included in the range of this large and powerful raptor. Its red tail is more obvious when viewed from above, although bright sunlight will always accentuate the hue.

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Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) -

Fence posts and tree stubs are favorite vantage points for this mostly silent bird of prey, a summer visitor whose range encompasses the Midwest and as far south as Texas.

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Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) - Named after ornithologist Edward Harris, a companion of John James Audubon no less, this intelligent, medium-sized raptor is distributed through the southwestern United States. Interestingly, it hunts in packs rather than alone.

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Common black hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) - You'll spy this bird in the southwestern regions of the USA, especially Arizona. It will most likely be perched high up on a limb of a tree scanning the terrain below.

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Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) -

The lowlands and swampy wetlands of America's southeastern states are the habitats of choice for this highly vocal bird. Indeed, you're more likely to hear it first before seeing it.

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Hook-billed kite -

The Rio Grand Valley of Texas is a particularly rewarding habitat to spot this comical-looking bird of prey.

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White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) -

Its unique appearance, which combines the coloration of a gull with the shape and flight of a falcon, sets this bird of prey apart making it a desirable sighting for any ornithologist.

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Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) - One of nature's garbage collectors, the black vulture, a common and widespread species, can be found cleaning up after others across the southeastern United States.

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Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) - A compatriot of the black vulture, this scavenger, often called a "turkey buzzard," feeds almost exclusively on carrion. A permanent resident in the southern US, its range extends northwards in summer.

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Zone-tailed hawk (Buteo albonotatus) -

This crafty raptor can mimic the flight patterns of non-predators such as the turkey vulture, enabling it to approach unsuspecting prey undetected. The "great pretender" is only found along the southern borders of the US and Mexico.

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Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) -

Found lurking in mixed or coniferous forests, open deciduous woodland, as well as on coastlines and lake shores, this small hawk frequents western and eastern locations of the US year round.

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Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) -

Not for nothing is this magnificent bird of prey the national symbol of the USA. Present throughout the nation, watching this noble raptor soar above a snow-peaked mountain is a truly magical and memorable occasion.

See also: Flights of fancy: the most colorful and exotic birds on the planet

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