The bald eagle is the only eagle unique to North America. They can be found along coastlines, lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes. The Bald Eagle’s primary diet is fish—they have spiny scales and sharp talons to hang on to their slippery bodies. Bald Eagles will also hunt rabbits, squirrels, other birds, and even young deer. Visit our bald eagles today in Eagle Ridge.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is home to rescued bald eagles and an amazing conservation and education ambassador. Busch Gardens has partnered with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to care for our Bald Eagles.

You won’t hear the typical “hoot” from a barn owl! These ghostly pale birds are known making eerie, raspy calls in the middle of the night. They have incredible low-light vision, but it’s their hearing that is truly impressive. Their ability to locate prey by sound is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. Once they’ve found it, they swallow their prey whole—bones and all! Busch Gardens Williamsburg is home to both North American and European Barn Owl. Although they look similar, Barn Owls in North America are around 50% heavier, with males averaging 474 grams (over 1 lb), compared to just 312 grams (11 ounces) in Europe. Their body shape is also different, with proportionally shorter wings and longer legs. Due to its larger size, the North American Barn Owl is able to take larger prey.

In America, Barn Owls are increasingly being used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an alternative to highly toxic rodenticides. Vineyards, rice fields, sugar cane crops, and orchards can all benefit from the installation of Barn Owl nestboxes.

In their first autumn, European Barn Owls settle into a home range where they spend the rest of their lives. However, in some parts of North America, Barn Owls migrate south to escape cold winter weather.

Black vultures differ from other types of vultures in their compact bodies, short tails, and strong wing beats. They are highly social and very loyal to their family groups. Though black vultures can only be found in North and South America, the oldest fossils, dating back 34 million years, were found in Europe. Finally, even though black vultures eat other animals, they are not technically birds of prey because they do not hunt with their feet—they principally scavenge on carrion. The black vulture makes up for its poor sense of smell by following turkey vultures to carcasses. You can find the black vulture in our Wolf Haven.

Known as the wolf of the air - hese birds are the most social of North American raptors, cooperating in the nest and hunting in groups. They are more comfortable around humans than many birds. Young hawks can be found playing make believe—they will chase insects and jump on sticks in an imitation of hunting.

Eurasian Eagle Owls are one of the largest species of owl in the world with a wingspan of over six feet! Found throughout most of Europe and Asia and Northern Africa, Eagle Owls have a very distinct look including their feathered talons and signature orange eyes. They can be found in many habitats, but prefer mountains, forests, and other remote places. You can see Busch Gardens’ Eurasian Eagle Owl, Inara, on the pathways with our animal care specialists, and even at Eagle Ridge trainer talks.