Water-based versus Terrestrial-based Raptors

Water-based raptors are those species that are dependent upon water habitat or habitat located in proximity to water. Typical species of these groups would be the osprey (link to osprey page) or red-shouldered hawk. Habitat management activities, such as the installation of nesting structures (osprey - link to picture of an osprey platform) to the creation of wetlands (link to a picture of created forested wetland) are effective for improving habitat or for providing a critical component to habitat for these species.

Land-based raptors are those species that do not require proximity to water to meet their life history requirements. The American kestrel and turkey vulture are two examples of the many species that would fall into this category.