HAWKS

MOST COMMON IN AMERICA

When camping or hiking, some of the most common hawks that outdoor enthusiasts may encounter include the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk. These magnificent birds of prey are renowned for their exceptional eyesight, graceful flight maneuvers, and unique vocalizations. Be sure to remain alert for the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic raptors gliding elegantly in the sky or quietly surveying their surroundings from lofty tree branches while you explore the great outdoors.

RED-TAILED

The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a common bird of prey found throughout North America. This raptor is easily recognizable by its reddish-brown tail and pale underbelly with a dark band across its belly. Red-tailed hawks are known for their sharp vision and powerful talons, which they use to catch a variety of prey including rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals. These birds are often seen soaring high in the sky, searching for food or defending their territory. Red-tailed hawks play a vital role in controlling rodent populations and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

COOPER’S

The Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a medium-sized raptor known for its agility and hunting skills. These birds of prey can be found throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Cooper's hawks have a distinctive appearance with slate-gray feathers on their back and wings, reddish bars on their underparts, and a long banded tail. They are skilled hunters, preying on small to medium-sized birds and mammals by ambushing them from a hidden perch or during high-speed pursuits through dense vegetation. Cooper's hawks are fascinating creatures to observe in the wild, showcasing impressive aerial acrobatics and sharp talons used for capturing their prey.

SHARP-SHINNED

Sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus) are small birds of prey commonly found in North and South America. They are known for their agile flight skills and sharp talons, which they use to capture small birds and insects. Sharp-shinned hawks have short, rounded wings and long tails, helping them maneuver easily through dense forests where they typically hunt. These hawks are important predators in their ecosystems, helping to control populations of smaller birds and insects. Their populations are stable, thanks in part to conservation efforts and protections in place to ensure their survival in the wild.

RED SHOULDER

Red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) are medium-sized birds of prey found in North America. They are easily recognized by their striking reddish-brown shoulders and barred chest. These hawks prefer wooded habitats near water, where they can be seen perching in trees or soaring overhead in search of prey.

Red-shouldered hawks primarily feed on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from above and their sharp talons to capture it. These hawks are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, often emitting a series of loud, piercing calls.

During the breeding season, red-shouldered hawks build nests high in trees using sticks and lined with softer materials. They are monogamous birds, with pairs often remaining together for multiple breeding seasons.

Overall, red-shouldered hawks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling populations of small animals. Observing these majestic birds in the wild can be a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.