Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Birds

Located along the Pacific Flyway, more than 384 species of birds (including vagrants) may be found in the Mountains. In Malibu Lagoon alone, more than 262 species have been recorded. Of the total number of birds that may be found within the park, approximately one-third, or 117, breed here. Thirteen of these breeders are raptors, which is an unusually high concentration. Sheer high cliffs of sedimentary and volcanic origin provide excellent nesting areas.

Historically, California condors and bald eagles nested here. Currently, golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus), Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii), American kestrels (Falco sparverius), peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus), white-shouldered kites (Elanus leucurus), barn owls (Tyto alba), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), western screech owls (Otus kennicottii), long-eared owls (Asio otus), burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) nest within the park.