You’re in for a treat if you’re a nature enthusiast or bird lover. North Carolina is home to a diverse array of hawks, each with its own unique features and charm. From their majestic flight to their keen hunting skills, hawks are truly awe-inspiring creatures.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 amazing hawk species found in North Carolina, accompanied by stunning pictures that will transport you into their world. You’ll get to know these magnificent birds intimately, learning about their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.
Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a curious beginner, exploring the world of hawks in North Carolina is an opportunity you will want to take advantage of. Witness the grace and agility of the Red-Shouldered Hawk, admire the regal beauty of the Cooper’s Hawk, and marvel at the soaring flights of the Broad-Winged Hawk.
Types of Hawks in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to a diverse range of hawks and falcons, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. From the largest hawks in North America to the most common species, the state offers ample opportunities to observe and appreciate these magnificent birds of prey.
Let’s explore the different types of hawks found in North Carolina and some key identification features.
1. Peregrine Falcons
The Peregrine Falcon is a magnificent bird known for its incredible speed and agility. With sleek and streamlined bodies, they are built for high-speed aerial pursuits. Their feathers exhibit a striking combination of dark brown and white, while their hooked beaks and sharp talons make them formidable hunters.
- Length: 15-20 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Wingspan: 38-43 inches
- Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
Habitat & Range:
Peregrine Falcons can be found in various habitats across North Carolina. They prefer coastal areas, cliffs, and tall structures like skyscrapers and bridges. These adaptable birds have also adapted to urban environments, making city skylines their home.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
Peregrine Falcons are renowned for their hunting prowess. Their diet mainly consists of birds, which they capture mid-air with astonishing speed. They are known for their dramatic hunting technique called “stooping,” where they dive from great heights to strike their prey.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
During the breeding season, Peregrine Falcons build nests on ledges of cliffs, tall buildings, or artificial structures. They are monogamous birds, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. The female lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Peregrine Falcons are migratory birds whose migration patterns depend on their breeding range. In North Carolina, they are typically found during the winter months as they move south in search of warmer climates and abundant food sources. Look for them along coastal areas, especially near cliffs or tall structures.
2. Red-tailed Hawks
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large and majestic bird of prey, known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail feathers that give it its name. They have broad wings, a sturdy build, and a keen gaze. Their plumage varies from light to dark brown, and their piercing eyes stand out with a yellowish or reddish hue.
- Length: 18-26 inches
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Wingspan: 43-56 inches
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
Habitat & Range:
Red-tailed Hawks are highly adaptable and can be found throughout North Carolina. They prefer a variety of habitats, including open fields, forests, and even urban areas. Look for them perched on treetops, utility poles, or soaring gracefully in the sky.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
As opportunistic hunters, Red-tailed Hawks have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small mammals like mice, rabbits, and squirrels but consume birds, reptiles, and even carrion. They employ keen eyesight to spot prey from high vantage points and make quick, precise dives to capture their meals.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
During the breeding season, Red-tailed Hawks construct large nests made of sticks lined with softer materials. They prefer elevated locations such as tall trees or cliffs to build their nests. Both the male and female participate in raising their young, which hatch from 2-3 eggs. The nests are often reused and expanded upon in subsequent years.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Red-tailed Hawks are resident birds in North Carolina, meaning they can be found year-round. However, some individuals may undertake short-distance migrations for better foraging opportunities or to escape harsh winter conditions. Look for them in open areas, along highways, and perched on poles or trees.
3. Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk known for its agile flight and striking appearance. They have a compact body, broad wings, and a long tail. Their plumage varies, with adults having blue-gray backs, reddish chests, and distinctive dark caps on their heads. Juveniles have brown streaks on their underparts.
- Length: 14-20 inches
- Weight: 0.5-1.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 27-36 inches
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
Habitat & Range:
Cooper’s Hawks can be found throughout North Carolina, inhabiting various forested areas, including woodlands, suburban parks, and even urban areas. They are adaptable birds that thrive in diverse environments but are most commonly seen near forests and wooded edges.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
As skilled hunters, Cooper’s Hawks primarily prey on birds, especially smaller species like doves, sparrows, and starlings. They are agile flyers and use their quick maneuvering skills to chase down their prey through dense vegetation or by surprise attacks. They are known for their remarkable ability to navigate through trees while hunting.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Cooper’s Hawks build nests using sticks and branches in the canopy of tall trees, typically situated near the trunk for better support. They are monogamous birds and form long-term pair bonds. During the breeding season, the female lays 3-5 eggs, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the young.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Cooper’s Hawks are primarily year-round residents in North Carolina, with some individuals undertaking short-distance migrations. They can be found in wooded areas, near forest edges, and even suburban neighborhoods. Look for them perched on tree branches or in flight, swiftly maneuvering through the treetops.
4. Red-Shouldered Hawk
The Red-Shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk known for its vibrant reddish-brown shoulders and bold patterns. They have a broad wingspan and a relatively long tail. Adults have a dark brown back, reddish underparts with distinct barring, and a pale throat. Their wings show prominent black and white bands.
- Length: 16-24 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Wingspan: 37-43 inches
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
Habitat & Range:
Red-Shouldered Hawks are commonly found in the forested regions of North Carolina, particularly near rivers, swamps, and wetlands. They prefer mature deciduous or mixed forests with open understory where they can hunt for prey.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These hawks primarily feed on small mammals like rodents, frogs, snakes, and occasionally birds and insects. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey from perches or during soaring flights. They swoop down to capture their prey with their sharp talons when hunting.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Red-Shouldered Hawks build nests using sticks and twigs high in the canopy of tall trees. They often reuse their nests from previous years and add fresh materials. Mating pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents share the responsibilities of incubating and raising the chicks.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
While some Red-Shouldered Hawks are year-round residents in North Carolina, others migrate southward during the colder months. Look for them near forested areas with water sources, such as rivers or wetlands. Their distinctive call, a loud, repeated “kee-yar,” can often echo through the woods.
5. Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful and majestic hawk known for its large size and fierce demeanor. They have a slate-gray to dark-brown back and a barred breast. Adults have piercing red eyes and a distinctive white stripe above their eyes. They possess broad wings and a long, rounded tail, making them agile flyers.
- Length: 20-26 inches
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Wingspan: 40-46 inches
- Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
Habitat & Range:
Northern Goshawks can be found in the dense forests and woodlands of North Carolina, particularly in mountainous regions. They prefer mature forests with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. These hawks are territorial and require large, uninterrupted habitat areas to thrive.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These formidable hunters prey on various animals, including small to medium-sized mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and birds. They are known for their agility and speed during pursuit flights through the forest, using their sharp talons to capture their prey. They are skilled at maneuvering through dense vegetation in search of food.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Northern Goshawks build large stick nests in the forks of tall trees, often close to the trunk. They are highly protective of their nesting territories and will defend them vigorously. Mating pairs engage in elaborate aerial courtship displays, showcasing their flying abilities. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Northern Goshawks are typically year-round residents in North Carolina, although some may undertake short-distance migrations. They can be found in the state’s mountainous areas, especially in coniferous forests and remote woodlands. Listen for their distinctive vocalizations, a sharp “kak-kak-kak,” as you explore these habitats.
6. Broad-Winged Hawk
The Broad-Winged Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a compact body and broad wings. It has a brownish upper body with a pale belly and dark bands on its tail. Their eyes are yellow, and their beak is hooked for tearing into prey. They are known for their distinctive high-pitched whistle-like call.
- Length: 13-17 inches
- Weight: 9-20 ounces
- Wingspan: 31-39 inches
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
Habitat & Range:
Broad-Winged Hawks inhabit various forested areas across North Carolina, including deciduous and mixed forests. They prefer areas with open canopies and understory vegetation for hunting. During migration, they can be seen soaring in large flocks known as “kettles” as they travel to their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These hawks primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and chipmunks. They also consume reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. They hunt by soaring high in the sky, scanning the ground for movement, and then swooping down to capture their prey with their sharp talons.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Broad-Winged Hawks build their nests in the dense foliage of trees, usually near the trunk. They construct a large stick nest with softer materials like leaves and moss. Mating pairs perform aerial courtship displays, including acrobatic flights and vocalizations. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and caring for the hatchlings.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Broad-Winged Hawks are known for their remarkable migration. In North Carolina, they can be observed from late spring to early fall during their breeding season. Look for them in forested areas with open canopies, especially near water sources and migratory flyways. During migration, they form large groups and can be seen soaring in thermals or circling high above.
7. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier, also known as the Marsh Hawk, is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance. It has a slim body, long wings, and a long tail. The male has a grayish upper body and a white belly, while the female has a brown plumage with streaks. They have a facial disk similar to an owl, which aids sound detection.
- Length: 18-24 inches
- Weight: 10-26 ounces
- Wingspan: 40-48 inches
- Scientific name: Circus Hudsonius
Habitat & Range:
Northern Harriers can be found in various open habitats in North Carolina, including marshes, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They prefer areas with low vegetation, as it provides cover for hunting. They are most commonly seen during the winter months, as they migrate from their breeding grounds in the northern parts of the continent.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These hawks primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rabbits. They use their keen eyesight and exceptional hearing to locate prey, hovering low over the ground or flying close to vegetation. They have a unique hunting behavior where they fly low and glide, searching for movement and listening for the rustling of prey in the grass.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Northern Harriers nest on the ground in marshy areas or tall grasslands. The female constructs a nest made of grasses and sedges, forming a shallow bowl-shaped structure. Mating pairs perform aerial courtship displays involving steep dives and twists in flight. The female lays 4-6 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
During winter, Northern Harriers migrate south to North Carolina, where they can be spotted in their preferred habitats, such as marshes and wetlands. Look for them gliding low over open areas, searching for prey. Their distinctive flight style and hunting behavior make them a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
8. Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small but agile raptor with short, rounded wings and a long, narrow tail. It has a slate-gray back, pale underparts, fine streaks, and red eyes. This hawk is known for its quick and maneuverable flight, making it a skilled predator in capturing prey.
- Length: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 3-8 ounces
- Wingspan: 17-22 inches
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
Habitat & Range:
Sharp-shinned Hawks can be found in various habitats throughout North Carolina, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are most commonly seen during the fall and winter months when they migrate to the region from their breeding grounds in the northern parts of the continent.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These hawks primarily feed on small birds and mammals, such as sparrows, finches, and mice. They are swift and agile hunters, capable of flying through dense vegetation and capturing prey in mid-air. Their small size and adaptability allow them to navigate forests and pursue their fast-moving targets.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
Sharp-shinned Hawks build nests in the dense canopy of trees, typically using sticks and twigs. The female is responsible for constructing the nest, while the male provides the materials. They lay 3-5 eggs, which the female incubates for about a month. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
During migration, Sharp-shinned Hawks can be spotted in North Carolina as they travel south for the winter. Look for them perched in trees near bird feeders or flying swiftly through wooded areas. Their presence often increases during the fall as they take advantage of the abundant food supply migrating birds provide.
9. Rough-legged Hawk
The Rough-legged Hawk is a large raptor with broad wings and a long tail. It has feathered legs, which is a distinguishing feature of this species. Its plumage varies, but most individuals have dark brown or blackish-brown bodies with a distinctive white underside and a dark belly band. The Rough-legged Hawk gets its name from the feathered legs extending down to its feet.
- Length: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 2.2-4.4 pounds
- Wingspan: 49-53 inches
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
Habitat & Range:
These hawks prefer open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields. In North Carolina, they can be found during the winter months as they migrate from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. They are well-adapted to cold climates and often thrive in areas with suitable prey availability.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
Rough-legged Hawks mainly feed on small mammals, including voles, mice, rabbits, and occasionally small birds. They have excellent vision and spend much time perched on high spots, scanning the ground for potential prey. Once they spot their target, they will swoop down and use their sharp talons to capture it.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
These hawks build their nests on cliffs or trees. The female is primarily responsible for constructing the nest using sticks, twigs, and grass. They lay 2-5 eggs, which both parents incubate for about a month. After hatching, the parents feed the chicks until they fledge and become independent.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Rough-legged Hawks are migratory birds, and North Carolina serves as their wintering ground. During the winter months, they can be observed in the state, especially in open areas where they hunt for prey. Look for them perched on telephone poles or hovering for food above grassy fields.
10. Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a slim body and long, pointed wings. It has a brownish plumage with a pale underside and a distinctive dark bib on its throat. Its wings display a characteristic “V” shape during the flight, making it easily identifiable. This hawk has keen eyesight, which aids in spotting prey while soaring through the sky.
- Length: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Wingspan: 45-54 inches
- Scientific name: Buteo Swainsoni
Habitat & Range:
Swainson’s Hawks can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and open woodlands. During the breeding season, they inhabit North America’s prairies and grassy regions. They can be spotted in North Carolina during migration periods, primarily in the spring and fall.
Diet & Feeding Habits:
These hawks have a diverse diet consisting mainly of small mammals, such as rodents, rabbits, and ground squirrels. They also feed on insects, reptiles, and occasionally birds. Swainson’s Hawks employ different hunting techniques to locate their prey, including soaring and hovering. Once they spot a potential meal, they dive down to capture it with their sharp talons.
Breeding Habits & Nesting Sites:
During the breeding season, Swainson’s Hawks build nests in trees or on cliffs. The female takes the lead in nest construction using twigs and grass. They lay 2-4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month. After hatching, the parents provide food for the chicks until they are ready to fledge.
Migration Patterns & Where To Find Them:
Swainson’s Hawks are long-distance migrants, and North Carolina is a stopover location during their journey. They can be seen during spring and fall migration, often congregating in large numbers in specific areas. Look for them in open habitats, such as fields or wetlands, where they hunt for food and rest before continuing their journey.
