Hawks, a type of raptor, are a common sight across California’s diverse landscapes. These powerful birds are found throughout the state, from urban centers to remote wilderness areas. California’s varied environments provide suitable conditions for numerous hawk species. They are frequently observed soaring high above or perched on trees.
Common Hawk Species in California
California is home to several hawk species, each with unique characteristics. Among the most widespread is the Red-tailed Hawk, easily identified by its broad, rounded wings and a distinctive reddish-brown tail in adults. This large raptor often perches on telephone poles or soars in wide circles, scanning open country for prey. Juveniles of this species have a finely banded tail, lacking the red coloration of adults.
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized raptor, about the size of a crow, known for its agility and stealth. Adults typically have a blue-gray back and an orange-barred chest, with a long, rounded tail. These hawks are skilled hunters of smaller birds and mammals, often navigating dense foliage with ease.
Another frequently observed species is the Sharp-shinned Hawk, North America’s smallest hawk. This agile forest hunter shares similarities with the Cooper’s Hawk but is smaller, with a squared-off tail and a head that can appear large for its body. Adults possess slaty blue upperparts and reddish-orange underparts, while juveniles are brown with streaked undersides. Sharp-shinned Hawks are adept at darting through trees in pursuit of small birds.
The Northern Harrier is a slender, medium-sized raptor recognized by its distinctive white rump patch and low, coursing flight over open fields. Adult males are grayish with black wingtips, while females and juveniles are brown with streaked underparts. Harriers often hold their wings in a V-shape during flight and rely on keen hearing to locate prey in grasslands and marshes.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a colorful raptor, identifiable by its barred reddish-peachy underparts and a strongly banded tail. These hawks are medium-sized, often seen in woodlands and riparian habitats near water. In flight, they display translucent crescents near their wingtips, aiding in identification from a distance. Their loud, repetitive “kee-ahh” call is often heard before the bird is seen.
Hawk Habitats and Distribution in California
Hawks in California occupy a wide array of habitats, reflecting the state’s diverse geography. Many species, like the Red-tailed Hawk, are highly adaptable and thrive in environments including deserts, grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas.
Different hawk species exhibit preferences for specific ecological zones. Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks are primarily found in wooded areas, dense forests, or the edges of fields, often adapting to suburban environments where prey is plentiful. Red-shouldered Hawks prefer woodlands, especially those near water sources like riparian areas and swamps. Northern Harriers are closely associated with open landscapes such as grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields, where they hunt low over the vegetation.
California’s hawks include both resident populations and migratory visitors. Species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk are year-round residents. However, some species, such as the Northern Harrier and Sharp-shinned Hawk, see their populations augmented during winter months by migrants from northern regions. The Central Valley supports a significant breeding population of Northern Harriers.
Identifying Hawks in the Field
Identifying hawks in the field involves observing several key characteristics, especially in flight. Size and overall shape are fundamental clues; Buteos like the Red-tailed Hawk are typically large with broad wings, suited for soaring, while Accipiters such as the Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks are sleeker with shorter, rounded wings and long tails, enabling agile movement through dense cover.
Wing shape and flight patterns provide identification hints. Buteos display broad, rounded wings, ideal for sustained soaring with a flap-flap-glide pattern. Accipiters, in contrast, use rapid wingbeats interspersed with short glides, showcasing their maneuverability. Observing the tail is also helpful; its length, shape (e.g., fanned, square, or rounded), and distinct banding can differentiate species. The Northern Harrier has a prominent white rump patch, often visible in flight.
Plumage and coloration offer specific markers. Look for patterns on the underparts, such as the streaked belly band of a Red-tailed Hawk or the reddish barring of a Cooper’s Hawk. Translucent crescents near the wingtips can help identify a Red-shouldered Hawk. Calls can also be a distinguishing feature, with some hawks having characteristic vocalizations.