Hawks are majestic creatures with keen eyesight and impressive hunting skills. But do you know, there are different types of hawks, each with unique features and characteristics? If you’re a bird lover, identifying them can be fun for you.
So, let’s take a closer look at these incredible birds and learn how to identify them using a simple hawk identification chart.
Table of Contents
Hawk Id Table
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Size | Color | Wing Shape | Tail Shape | Notable Markings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | 18-26 in | Brown above, white below with streaks | Broad, rounded | Short, wide, rounded, red tail | Dark band across belly, pale underwings |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Accipiter cooperii | 14-20 in | Blue-gray above, orange bars below | Short, rounded | Long, rounded | Dark cap, red eyes in adults |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | 9-13 in | Blue-gray above, orange bars below | Short, rounded | Long, square | Dark cap, red eyes in adults |
| Northern Harrier | Circus hudsonius | 18-20 in | Gray (males), brown (females) | Long, broad | Long, narrow, rounded | White rump patch, owl-like face |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Buteo lineatus | 15-24 in | Reddish shoulders, barred rufous chest | Broad, rounded | Medium length, narrow, with bands | Black and white checkered wings |
| Swainson’s Hawk | Buteo swainsoni | 18-22 in | Brown above, pale below | Long, pointed | Long, rounded | Dark flight feathers, pale throat |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | 13-17 in | Brown above, pale below with banding | Broad, rounded | Short, broad with white band | Thick white bands on tail, dark border |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Buteo lagopus | 18-24 in | Brown or dark morphs, pale underwings | Long, broad | Long, broad, often with dark bands | Feathered legs, dark belly band |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Buteo regalis | 20-27 in | Rusty shoulders, pale below | Long, broad | Long, broad, white with dark band | Feathered legs, rufous back |
| Harris’s Hawk | Parabuteo unicinctus | 18-24 in | Dark brown with chestnut shoulders | Broad, rounded | Long, rounded, with white base and tip | White tip on tail, yellow legs |
| Zone-tailed Hawk | Buteo albonotatus | 18-22 in | Blackish with white band in tail | Long, broad | Long, broad, white band | White bands on tail, yellow cere |
| Gray Hawk | Buteo plagiatus | 18-24 in | Gray above, white and gray below | Broad, rounded | Short, broad, black with white bands | Black and white banded tail |
| Short-tailed Hawk | Buteo brachyurus | 15-17 in | Dark above, white below | Broad, rounded | Short, broad | White underparts with dark flight feathers |
HAWK IDENTIFICATION BY TAIL
You can identify different species of hawks by looking at the unique features of their tails. Hawks have different patterns and shapes on their tails that can give you an idea about what type of hawk you’re looking for;
- SHAPE AND LENGTH OF THE TAIL
The shape and length of the tail can be an important factor in identifying species of hawks. Some hawks have wide and narrow tails, whereas some have rounded and square tails.
- COLOR OF THE TAIL
You can identify hawks with the color pattern on their tails. Some hawks have white rump patches, whereas some have dark and light bands on their tails.
HAWK IDENTIFICATION IN FLIGHT
Identifying different species of hawks when they’re flying can be challenging for you. However, several key features can help you identify them in flight.
- SHAPE AND LENGTH OF THE WINGS
Hawks have different wings based on their shape and length. Some have broad wings, while others have short and rounded wings.
- BODY AND FEATHERS
Hawks have strong, stiff structured feathers with sharp leading edges that aid in fighting and hunting. Moreover, hawks have a larger body than falcons. They have a difference of over 10 inches from bill to tail.
FEMALE HAWK IDENTIFICATION
Male and female hawks can sometimes look different from each other. Here are a few key points to help identify female hawks;
SIZE
Female hawks are usually larger than males.
- Female Cooper’s Hawks are about 40% larger than males.
- Female Red-tailed Hawks are about 25% larger than males.
COLOR OF THE FEATHERS
The colour and pattern of a hawk’s feathers can sometimes differ between males and females. For instance;
- Female Red-tailed Hawks may have darker plumage than males.
BEHAVIOR
Female hawks may exhibit certain behaviours that can help you distinguish them. For instance;
- During nesting season, female hawks may spend more time near the nest, caring for eggs or chicks, while males may be out hunting more frequently.
Also read: Owl Identification Chart
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF HAWKS
Hawks have special traits and characteristics that make each of them unique. Here are some common distinguishing features of hawks;
- SIZE
Hawks vary in size. Some are quite small, like Sharp-shinned hawks, while others are much larger.
- COLOR
Hawks can have a variety of colours and patterns on their feathers. From the shades of brown and grey to white and black. Moreover, some hawks have distinct patterns, like stripes or spots, which can help us identify them.
- BEAK
Hawks have hooked beaks that are perfect for tearing into their prey. The shape and size of the beak can vary between different species of hawks.
- TALONS
Hawks have strong, sharp talons on their feet. They use it to catch and grip their prey. Talons are essential for hunting.
- FACIAL FEATURES
The shape and colour of a hawk’s face can also be helpful for identification. Some hawks have distinctive facial markings, such as dark eye stripes or light patches around their eyes.
- VOICE
Hawks have distinct calls or vocalisations that can vary between species. Learning to recognise these calls can be another way to identify them. However, their voice is not always easy to hear.
- FLIGHT STYLE
Each species of hawks has its own unique flight style. Some hawks soar high in the sky, while others prefer to fly low to the ground.
- HABITAT AND BEHAVIOR
Certain hawks prefer specific habitats and have distinct hunting or nesting behaviors. For instance, some hawks prefer open fields, while others thrive in wooded areas.
Also read: Hawk Feather Identification Chart
HOW CAN YOU SPOT A HAWK?
Spotting a hawk is an amazing experience. Here’s how you can do it;
- LOOK UP IN THE SKY
It is common to see hawks soaring high in the sky. So, look up towards the open sky. They soar in circles or hover in one spot to search for their prey.
- OBSERVE MOVEMENTS
If you see sudden movements among smaller birds, it could be a sign that a hawk is nearby. Birds may scatter or take flight in response to the presence of a predator like a hawk.
- CHECK PERCHES
Hawks also like to perch on trees or poles, especially when searching for prey. Look for large birds sitting upright on branches, sometimes with their wings folded neatly against their bodies.
- LISTEN CAREFULLY
Some hawks are vocal and may make distinct calls while flying or perched. Listen for high-pitched whistles, screeches, or calls that sound like “kee-yer” or “kreeee.” These vocalisations can help you locate hawks even if you can’t see them.
- OBSERVE HABITAT
Different species of hawks prefer different habitats. You can find some hawks in open fields or grasslands, while others prefer wooded areas or forests. Knowing the habitat of hawk species can narrow down your search.
- NOTICE FLIGHT PATTERNS
Hawks have distinctive flight patterns. They may soar in circles or glide gracefully with their wings stretched. Look for any movement that stands out from the surrounding environment.
- USE BINOCULARS
If you have binoculars, use them to get a closer look. Hawks can be quite far away, so binoculars can help you see their features more clearly, including their markings and colouration.
Also read: Eagle Identification Chart
CONCLUSION:
Learning to identify hawks can be a rewarding experience. With the help of the hawk identification chart, you can easily identify these amazing birds based on their unique features, behaviours, and habitats. So, keep exploring these wonderful birds. Who knows, you might discover your new favourite hawk!