Hawks are some of the most fascinating birds of prey, known for their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and incredible hunting skills. With a wide variety of species found across the globe, these raptors come in different sizes, colors, and habitats. In this guide, we will explore 26 types of hawks, highlighting their unique features, behaviors, and preferred environments.
Understanding the different types of hawks can help birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts identify them more easily. Some hawks prefer dense forests, while others thrive in open grasslands or coastal regions. From the fierce Northern Goshawk to the social Harris’s Hawk, each species has distinctive traits that set them apart.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just curious about these incredible raptors, this list of types of hawks will provide valuable insights. With detailed descriptions and pictures, you’ll be able to recognize these birds in the wild and appreciate their important role in the ecosystem.
Different Types of Hawks
Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)
The Common Black Hawk is primarily found along the coastlines of Mexico and Central America, where it thrives in wetland environments. Unlike many other hawks, this species has a diet that heavily relies on aquatic creatures such as crabs, fish, and amphibians. Its dark plumage and strong build make it well-suited for hunting near water.
While it is mostly confined to tropical regions, the Common Black Hawk occasionally ventures into the United States during the breeding season. It has been spotted in states like Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. However, sightings are rare since these birds do not typically migrate far from their coastal habitats.
This hawk is relatively large, with a wingspan reaching up to 50 inches (127 cm) and a body weight between 22 and 46 ounces (630–1300 g). Its impressive size, coupled with its dark plumage, makes it a striking presence in its natural habitat.
Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
The Red-Shouldered Hawk is named after the reddish coloring on its shoulders, which contrasts against the bold black and white barring on its wings and tail. It is often heard before it is seen, as it emits a distinctive “kee-ahh” call that carries through the air.
This species is commonly found in the eastern United States, though smaller populations exist along the West Coast. While they are year-round residents in their primary range, some migrate into southeastern Canada during the breeding season. They favor forested habitats with open canopies, but they are also known to inhabit suburban areas, especially during winter.
Red-Shouldered Hawks are opportunistic hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even large insects. Their adaptability to different habitats, combined with their striking appearance and distinctive call, makes them one of the more recognizable hawks in North America.
Pale Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus)
The Pale Chanting Goshawk is a highly adaptable bird of prey found across much of Africa. It thrives in diverse habitats, including savannas, arid scrublands, and even desert regions. This ability to live in harsh environments makes it one of the most widespread hawks in its range.
Unlike many other raptors that rely solely on aerial hunting, the Pale Chanting Goshawk is known for its ground-hunting techniques. While it may swoop down to snatch prey, it often chases lizards, spiders, and insects on foot. Additionally, it is known to steal food from other birds of prey by attacking them after they have made a kill.
This striking bird is easy to recognize with its soft gray body, bold black and white barring on its underparts, and vibrant orange beak and legs. Its name comes from its melodious call, a rare and distinguishing feature among hawks, making it as musical as it is beautiful.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is one of the smallest accipiters in North America, yet it is an incredibly skilled and agile hunter. These hawks have a sleek appearance, with gray-blue feathers on their head, back, and wings, while their underparts display a mixture of white and rich orange barring.
These birds have an extensive range that stretches from Canada and Alaska down through the United States, Mexico, and into Central and South America. They breed in the northern parts of their range and migrate south for the winter, sometimes reaching as far as the Caribbean. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various wooded environments.
Sharp-Shinned Hawks are expert bird hunters, using their sharp talons to snatch small birds mid-flight. Their name comes from their unique leg structure, which helps them efficiently pluck feathers before eating their prey. These hawks are often seen darting through dense forests in search of their next meal.
Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-Tailed Hawk is easily recognized by the reddish hue on the underside of its tail feathers, especially when in flight. This distinct coloration makes it one of the most identifiable hawks in North America. Like many other hawks, their tail patterns serve as a key feature for distinguishing them from other birds of prey.
This species is the most widespread hawk in the United States, making it highly likely to be spotted anywhere in North America. While they can be seen perched on trees or poles, they are best identified in the air, where their tail color and flight patterns become more apparent.
Red-Tailed Hawks exhibit a variety of plumage colors, ranging from almost white to dark brown or black. They typically breed in northern North America, migrating between the southern U.S. and northern Mexico in the winter and Canada during summer. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, including grasslands, forests, and even urban areas.
Rough-Legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
The Rough-Legged Hawk is a rarer sight compared to the Red-Tailed Hawk. These birds have unique characteristics that set them apart, including their thickly feathered legs, which provide insulation against the cold. This adaptation allows them to survive in harsh Arctic conditions, where they primarily reside during the summer months.
Unlike many other hawks, the Rough-Legged Hawk spends most of its time in the tundra. It breeds in the Arctic before migrating south into the continental United States for the winter. Because of their remote breeding grounds, they are not commonly seen in most parts of North America.
This species has a distinctive hunting behavior. It is one of the few birds of prey that can hover in midair while scanning the ground for prey. This hovering technique, along with their large, stocky build and feather-covered legs, makes them easy to identify even from a distance.
Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest Buteo species in North America, and its name comes from its distinctive rust-colored plumage. With a wingspan of up to 60 inches (1.5 meters) and a weight of nearly 5 pounds (2,270 grams), this hawk is an impressive sight in the open landscapes of the western United States.
Unlike many migratory birds of prey, the Ferruginous Hawk remains in its preferred habitat year-round. During winter, they often roost in small groups of six to twelve birds. These hawks are highly adaptable nesters, building nests on the ground, in trees, or even on rocky ledges towering over a thousand feet high.
Due to their large size, their diet consists mostly of small mammals like prairie dogs and rabbits. They hunt by soaring high in the sky before diving down or by hopping along the ground in pursuit of prey. Ferruginous Hawks come in two color variations—light and dark—adding to their unique appearance.
Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus)
As its name suggests, the Gray Hawk is primarily covered in soft gray plumage, with a distinct black-and-white striped tail. Its beak and legs feature a mix of yellow and gray tones. While common in tropical regions of Central America, this hawk is rarely seen in the United States, except for small populations in southern Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
Gray Hawks have a strong preference for hunting lizards, which make up the majority of their diet. They are typically found perched in tree canopies, patiently waiting to ambush prey. This hunting style allows them to blend into their surroundings and strike with precision.
One of the best ways to detect a Gray Hawk in its habitat is by its distinctive three-note whistle, which sounds like “kah-lee-oh.” This call is used for communication between mates and to establish territory, making it an essential part of their behavior in the wild.
Rufous Crab Hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis)
The Rufous Crab Hawk is a highly specialized raptor with a restricted range, found primarily along the mangrove-lined coasts from Venezuela to southern Brazil. Unlike more adaptable hawks, this species depends on crabs as its primary food source, limiting its habitat to coastal regions where these crustaceans thrive. Fossil records suggest they once inhabited the Caribbean, but today, they are no longer found there.
These hawks have a unique hunting technique, perching on branches and swooping down as crabs emerge from their burrows. Their sharp, hooked bills are perfectly adapted to breaking through crab shells before eating. They are also frequently seen flying over mudflats, scanning for the movement of crab colonies below.
Unfortunately, the Rufous Crab Hawk is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction. The degradation of mangrove forests has led to a decline in their population, making their dramatic in-flight courtship displays in the spring an increasingly rare sight.
Black-Faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops)
The Black-Faced Hawk has a striking and almost cartoonish appearance, with contrasting black-and-white plumage. Its white underparts stand out against its black wings, which are speckled with white spots. Its most defining feature, however, is the bold black stripe across its eyes, giving the impression of a mask. Its bright orange beak and legs further add to its distinctive look.
This elusive hawk is native to the dense rainforests and mangroves of South America. Unlike many other raptors, it is rarely seen soaring in the sky. Instead, it prefers to perch silently below the tree canopy, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Its diet primarily consists of snakes and amphibians, which it captures with swift, precise movements.
Although the Black-Faced Hawk’s habitat is gradually shrinking due to deforestation, it is currently listed as a species of Least Concern. However, continued conservation efforts are necessary to ensure its population remains stable in the future.
Ridgeway’s Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi)
The Ridgeway’s Hawk has one of the most restricted ranges of any hawk species, being found only on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Due to habitat loss, food shortages, and the threat of botfly larvae attacking their young, this species is critically endangered. Conservation programs are in place to protect the remaining population and encourage breeding success.
One of the Ridgeway’s Hawk’s most fascinating behaviors is its nesting strategy. Rather than building a nest from scratch, it often constructs its home directly on top of a palmchat’s nest. The palmchat, a small bird native to the Dominican Republic, builds large communal nests, which the hawk repurposes for its own use. This results in a unique two-species nesting arrangement.
Efforts to save this species have been ongoing, including habitat restoration and botfly treatment programs. While the population remains dangerously low, conservationists continue to work toward ensuring this rare hawk’s survival.
Hawaiian Hawk (Buteo solitarius)
The Hawaiian Hawk, or ‘Io, is the only hawk species native to Hawaii and is found exclusively on the Big Island. Once classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and human activity, its population has since rebounded, improving its status to Near Threatened. It remains a symbol of Hawaiian culture and is often associated with Hawaiian royalty.
Unlike migratory hawks, the ‘Io stays in its territory year-round. It is fiercely protective of its nesting areas and does not tolerate intruders. These hawks are known for their patience while hunting, often perching motionless before launching a sudden and powerful strike on their prey. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, and insects.
A unique trait of the Hawaiian Hawk is its reproductive strategy. Unlike many raptors that lay multiple eggs, the ‘Io typically lays only one. Despite this low reproduction rate, its strong territorial instincts and ability to thrive in various habitats have helped stabilize its population in recent years.
Short-Tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)
The Short-Tailed Hawk is a unique species that bears a closer resemblance to a falcon due to its compact body and shorter tail. It is primarily found in tropical regions of Central and South America, with a small population extending into Florida and occasionally appearing near the Mexico-Arizona border.
Despite its widespread distribution in Latin America, the Short-Tailed Hawk remains rare in the United States. The Florida population is estimated to be around 500 individuals.
This hawk specializes in hunting small birds, employing an unusual technique. It soars high in the sky, almost out of sight, and then plummets down at high speeds to capture birds mid-flight or while they are perched. However, this strategy has a relatively low success rate of only about 10%.
Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Harris’s Hawk is a highly social bird of prey, a rare trait among raptors. Found in the southwestern United States and throughout Mexico, these hawks are often seen in groups rather than alone. Their social structure follows a strict hierarchy, with dominant members feeding first after a hunt.
Unlike many other hawks, Harris’s Hawks use cooperative hunting techniques. They work together to flush out prey and coordinate their attacks, increasing their chances of success. This teamwork makes them highly efficient predators.
These hawks do not migrate, preferring to establish permanent territories in desert lowlands near water sources. They are medium-sized birds, with a wingspan of up to 48 inches (122 cm) and a weight of around 2 pounds (900 g). Their intelligence and social nature make them one of the most popular hawks for falconry.
Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus)
The Crested Goshawk is a striking bird of prey native to tropical Asia. It gets its name from the distinctive crest of feathers on the back of its head. These birds have a gray-brown upper body, while their underparts display a mix of vertical streaks and horizontal bars in white and brown.
Unlike migratory hawks, Crested Goshawks remain in a fixed territory throughout their lives. They prefer lowland forests, where they hunt birds, small mammals, and reptiles. However, they are increasingly being spotted in wooded urban areas of densely populated countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Small populations of Crested Goshawks also inhabit higher altitudes, such as the foothills of the Himalayas in India and Bhutan. Their adaptability to different environments has helped maintain a stable population across their range.
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
The Cooper’s Hawk is a widespread species found throughout the United States and Mexico. They breed in northern regions and migrate slightly southward during the winter. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in forests, suburban areas, and even cities.
These hawks closely resemble the Sharp-Shinned Hawk, with nearly identical plumage. The main distinguishing feature is their size—Cooper’s Hawks are significantly larger, standing two to six inches taller than their smaller counterparts.
Cooper’s Hawks primarily prey on songbirds, which makes them unpopular among birdwatchers. They often target backyard bird feeders, ambushing smaller birds that gather there. If one is preying on your backyard birds, temporarily removing the feeder may encourage it to hunt elsewhere.
Zone-Tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)
The Zone-Tailed Hawk is a sleek, predominantly black bird of prey native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. One of its most fascinating traits is its remarkable resemblance to turkey vultures. This mimicry is a survival adaptation, allowing the hawk to blend in with scavengers while secretly hunting live prey. Animals that would normally be wary of a hawk are less likely to flee from what appears to be a harmless vulture.
Climate change has contributed to the slow expansion of the Zone-Tailed Hawk’s range. Since the 1990s, populations have been increasing, and they are being spotted further north in the United States.
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Swainson’s Hawk is a raptor primarily found in the western United States and Mexico. Its range is unique in that it rarely extends east of the Mississippi River, with one small exception: a tiny breeding population exists in the southern tip of Florida.
This species comes in two distinct color morphs: a lighter variation with bright underparts and a darker one covered in deep brown. Despite their differences in plumage, both morphs share the same migratory behavior.
Swainson’s Hawk embarks on one of the longest migrations of any raptor, traveling over 6,000 miles from North America to Argentina. These hawks begin their journey south in late August, often forming massive flocks called “kettles,” which can number in the thousands. Some hawks fail to complete the full migration and instead winter in southern Florida.
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful and elusive bird that prefers remote forested areas, making it difficult to spot in the wild. It has a slate-gray back, a banded white-and-gray underbelly, and a distinctive white stripe above its deep red eyes, giving it an intense and formidable appearance.
These birds inhabit vast regions of North America, from the Arctic tundra to the dense forests of Canada and the United States. They breed in the northernmost parts of their range, migrating southward during winter in search of food. Unlike some hawks with specialized diets, Northern Goshawks are opportunistic hunters and will eat a wide variety of prey, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
White-Tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
The White-Tailed Hawk is a strikingly beautiful raptor found in southern Texas and along the coastlines of Mexico. It closely resembles the Red-Shouldered Hawk but can be distinguished by its white tail, which features a bold black band at the tip.
These hawks thrive in open prairies and grasslands, where they hunt small mammals. Interestingly, some songbird species take advantage of their presence by staying close to them for protection against other predators.
One of the most curious behaviors of the White-Tailed Hawk is its nest-building habit. Each nest contains a single long stick placed at the bottom. Scientists are still unsure why they do this, as the purpose of this behavior remains a mystery.
African Harrier Hawk (Polyboroides typus)
The African Harrier Hawk is a fascinating raptor that inhabits nearly all of sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike many other hawks, it thrives in higher elevations, reaching up to 10,000 feet (3,048 m). It is also one of the largest hawks on the continent, measuring around 26 inches (66 cm) in length and weighing approximately 1.4 pounds (635 g).
This hawk has a striking appearance with a light gray body and wings, a black tail marked by a bold white band, and delicate barring on its breast. Its yellow facial skin gives it a buzzard-like look, though it does not scavenge for food.
One of the most unique adaptations of the African Harrier Hawk is its double-jointed knees. This allows it to bend its legs in unusual ways, making it highly skilled at maneuvering through tight spaces. Using this ability, it can hang upside down from branches to raid nests hidden in tree cavities, feeding on small birds, eggs, and even bats.
Broad-Winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
The Broad-Winged Hawk is a small but powerful raptor, easily recognized by its compact body and broad wings. These adaptations make it a perfect hunter in dense forests, where it prefers to remain hidden from human activity.
These hawks are commonly found throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. During the winter, they embark on an extraordinary migration, traveling over 4,000 miles to Central and South America. Twice a year, they complete this demanding journey, forming massive groups called “kettles” during migration.
During peak migration, thousands of Broad-Winged Hawks can be seen soaring together, using thermal air currents to travel long distances with minimal energy. Birdwatchers in North America eagerly anticipate these seasonal movements, as spotting a sky filled with hawks in motion is a truly breathtaking sight.
