StrawPoll

The Most Beautiful Bird of Prey, Ranked

Choose the bird you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 17, 2024 06:21
In the grand aviary of nature, birds of prey stand out with their majestic features and compelling behaviors. Their beauty is not just in their plumage but also in their poise, the way they soar through the skies and command their territory. Ranking them is not only about appreciating their aesthetics but understanding the diversity within these powerful creatures. By participating in the ranking, you contribute to a broader appreciation of these magnificent birds. Your votes help highlight different species, each with unique traits and an inherent beauty that deserves recognition. Through this ongoing interaction, a dynamic list evolves, reflecting collective admiration and newfound perspectives on the avian rulers of the sky.

What Is the Most Beautiful Bird of Prey?

  1. 1
    68
    votes
    Bald Eagle
    Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK · CC BY 2.0

    Bald Eagle

    The national bird of the United States, the bald eagle is a majestic bird with a white head and tail feathers. It is a symbol of freedom and strength.
    The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey known for its striking appearance and impressive abilities. It is a large raptor with a white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body. The beak and feet are bright yellow. This iconic bird is native to North America and holds significant cultural and symbolic value in the United States.
    • Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
    • Wingspan: 1.8 to 2.3 meters
    • Body Length: 70 to 102 centimeters
    • Weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
    • Plumage: Dark brown body, white head and tail
    Bald Eagle in other rankings
  3. 2
    48
    votes
    Harpy Eagle
    http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0

    Harpy Eagle

    The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. It has a striking appearance with a distinctive crest of feathers on its head.
    The Harpy Eagle is a majestic and powerful bird of prey found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It is often considered as one of the most beautiful and largest eagles on the planet.
    • Size: Up to 3.5 feet (1 meter) tall
    • Wingspan: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
    • Weight: 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms)
    • Appearance: Distinctive grey upperparts, black chest and belly, white underside, bold crest of black feathers
    • Beak: Massive, hooked, and yellowish in color
    Harpy Eagle in other rankings
  4. 3
    20
    votes
    Red-tailed Hawk
    Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren · CC BY 2.0

    Red-tailed Hawk

    With its striking red tail feathers, the red-tailed hawk is a beautiful bird of prey. It is also a common sight in many parts of North America.
    The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a majestic bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is known for its stunning appearance and remarkable hunting capabilities. This bird is native to North America and is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful raptors.
    • Average Wingspan: 48-56 inches (122-142 cm)
    • Average Length: 18-26 inches (46-66 cm)
    • Average Weight: 2-4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg)
    • Plumage: Brown, with a distinctive red tail
    • Habitat: Varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and coastal areas
    Red-tailed Hawk in other rankings
  5. 4
    14
    votes
    Peregrine Falcon
    Georges Lignier (georges.lignier@wanadoo.fr) · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Peregrine Falcon

    The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world, capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph in a dive. It is also a stunning bird with its dark feathers and distinctive markings.
    The Peregrine Falcon is a species of bird of prey known for its remarkable flight abilities and incredible speed.
    • Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
    • Average wingspan: 3.3 to 3.6 feet (1 to 1.1 meters)
    • Average weight: 1.1 to 3.3 pounds (0.5 to 1.5 kilograms)
    • Top speed: 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour)
    • Habitat: Wide range of habitats, including coastal cliffs and open countryside
    Peregrine Falcon in other rankings
  6. 5
    15
    votes
    Golden Eagle
    대한민국 êµ­êµ° Republic of Korea Armed Forces · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Golden Eagle

    The golden eagle is a majestic bird of prey with golden feathers on its head and neck. It is a powerful hunter and one of the largest eagles in the world.
    The Golden Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey widely known for its striking beauty and prowess in the sky. With its majestic appearance and powerful capabilities, it captivates the hearts of nature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. Its regal plumage, characterized by rich golden-brown feathers on its head and neck, earned it the name 'Golden' Eagle.
    • Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
    • Wingspan: 6.5 to 7.5 feet (1.98 to 2.29 meters)
    • Weight: 9 to 15 pounds (4.08 to 6.80 kilograms)
    • Habitat: Mountainous regions, open landscapes, and cliffs
    • Distribution: North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
    Golden Eagle in other rankings
  7. 6
    12
    votes

    Osprey

    The osprey is a beautiful bird of prey with a distinctive white head and dark feathers. It is often seen near water, where it hunts for fish.
    The Osprey is a charismatic bird of prey found worldwide that possesses unique characteristics and stunning beauty. Also known as the sea hawk, it is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance.
    • Species: Pandion haliaetus
    • Size: Wingspan 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters), Length 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 centimeters)
    • Plumage: Dark brown upperparts, white underparts, and a prominent dark eye stripe
    • Habitat: Coastal regions, including shorelines, mangroves, and estuaries
    • Diet: Primarily fish, which it catches by diving into water after a hovering flight
  8. 7
    9
    votes
    Barn Owl
    Alun · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Barn Owl

    The barn owl is a stunning bird with its heart-shaped face and white feathers. It is also a powerful hunter, with excellent hearing and vision.
    The Barn Owl is a medium-sized bird of prey known for its elegant appearance and unique characteristics. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful birds of prey.
    • Scientific Name: Tyto alba
    • Appearance: Feathers are pale golden-brown above and white underneath with heart-shaped facial disks and dark eyes.
    • Wingspan: Approximately 85-110 cm (33-43 inches)
    • Weight: About 350-550 grams (0.8-1.2 pounds)
    • Habitat: Found in open countryside, woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and agricultural areas.
    Barn Owl in other rankings
  9. 8
    5
    votes

    Snowy Owl

    The snowy owl is a beautiful bird with white feathers that help it blend in with its snowy habitat. It is also a powerful hunter, with keen eyesight and hearing.
    The Snowy Owl is a magnificent bird of prey that is known for its striking appearance and exceptional hunting skills. It belongs to the family Strigidae and is scientifically known as Bubo scandiacus. This beautiful owl is found in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, making it well-adapted to cold climates. The Snowy Owl is predominantly white, with black markings on its body and bright yellow eyes. It has a rounded head with no ear tufts and a wingspan of about 4.5 to 5 feet (137 to 152 cm). Here are some important specifications of the Snowy Owl:
    • Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
    • Family: Strigidae
    • Habitat: Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia
    • Plumage: Predominantly white with black markings
    • Eye Color: Bright yellow
    Snowy Owl in other rankings
  10. 9
    10
    votes
    Eurasian Eagle-Owl
    Adrian Pingstone · Public domain

    Eurasian Eagle-Owl

    The Eurasian eagle-owl is a large and powerful bird of prey with distinctive ear tufts. It is also a stunning bird with its mottled brown and white feathers.
    The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is a magnificent bird of prey known for its impressive size and striking appearance. It is one of the largest owl species in the world, displaying exceptional physical features and hunting abilities.
    • Size: Height: 60-75 cm, Wingspan: 160-188 cm
    • Weight: 2-4.5 kg
    • Plumage: Distinctive tawny-brown coloration with dark brown stripes and speckles
    • Facial Features: Prominent facial disk, orange or yellow eyes, and distinctive ear tufts
    • Habitat: Varied habitats including forests, mountains, and open landscapes
    Eurasian Eagle-Owl in other rankings
  11. 10
    8
    votes
    African Fish Eagle
    Mehmet Karatay · CC BY-SA 3.0

    African Fish Eagle

    The African fish eagle is a stunning bird with its brown and white feathers and distinctive hooked beak. It is often seen near water, where it hunts for fish.
    The African Fish Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is best known for its striking appearance and impressive hunting skills. The creator of the African Fish Eagle is Mother Nature, as it is a product of natural evolution. It is also worth noting that it has become a significant symbol in various African cultures and is often associated with rivers, lakes, and fishing.
    • Scientific Name: Haliaeetus vocifer
    • Size: Wingspan around 2 meters (6.5 feet)
    • Weight: Average weight between 2.5 to 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds)
    • Physical Appearance: Distinctive white head and chest, brown wings and back, yellow beak, and piercing yellow eyes
    • Feathers: White underparts and dark brown upperparts
    African Fish Eagle in other rankings

Missing your favorite bird?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful bird

  1. Plumage
    The color, patterns, and vibrancy of a bird of prey's feathers can contribute to its beauty. A striking or unique plumage can make a bird stand out and be considered more attractive.
  2. Size and shape
    The overall body size and shape of a bird of prey can also contribute to its beauty. Some people may find larger, more formidable birds more impressive, while others might appreciate the sleek design of smaller, more agile species.
  3. Flight patterns and agility
    How a bird of prey moves through the air can add to its beauty. Graceful, agile flight with impressive aerial acrobatics can make a bird of prey more captivating to watch.
  4. Posture and stance
    The way a bird of prey carries itself can also contribute to its beauty. An alert, upright posture or a regal, commanding stance can give a bird an air of elegance and poise.
  5. Rarity
    Rare or endangered birds of prey might be considered more beautiful or intriguing due to their scarcity. The conservation efforts surrounding these species can also enhance their appeal.
  6. Behavior and personality
    A bird of prey's temperament and the way it interacts with its environment can also be a factor in its beauty. Birds that display intelligence, curiosity, or playfulness might be considered more attractive.
  7. Cultural and personal preferences
    People from different cultures might have varying opinions on what constitutes beauty in a bird of prey, and personal experiences can also shape individual preferences for particular species.
  8. Symbolism
    Some birds of prey have symbolic meanings or associations that could influence perceived beauty. For example, eagles might be seen as symbols of power or freedom, making them more beautiful in the eyes of some people.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful bird of prey. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bird is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2826 views
  • 189 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bird once every 24 hours. The rank of each bird is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

More information on most beautiful bird of prey

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a fascinating group of birds that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries. They are characterized by their sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight, which make them formidable hunters in the wild. There are many different species of birds of prey, ranging from the tiny American kestrel to the majestic bald eagle. When it comes to beauty, however, some birds of prey stand out more than others. Many people consider the peregrine falcon to be the most beautiful bird of prey, with its sleek and streamlined body, striking black and white markings, and piercing eyes. Others might argue that the golden eagle, with its regal profile and golden feathers, is the most beautiful. Ultimately, the question of which bird of prey is the most beautiful is a subjective one, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there is no denying the awe-inspiring power and majesty of these magnificent creatures, which continue to captivate bird lovers and nature enthusiasts around the world.

Explore other rankings

Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful biome in Minecraft
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful biome
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird call
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird in Australia
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird in the Philippines
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird in the whole world
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird song
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful bird sound
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful birth month
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful birthstone
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful black car
StrawPoll Logo Most beautiful black hole

Share this article