Hawks are present in Illinois, playing a significant role as birds of prey in the state’s diverse ecosystems. These raptors, characterized by sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight, are integral to maintaining ecological balance. Illinois hosts a variety of hawk species, contributing to avian diversity across its landscapes. Their presence signifies healthy habitats capable of supporting these top predators.
Hawk Species Common to Illinois
Illinois is home to several hawk species. The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is widespread, often seen soaring in wide circles over open areas or perched on roadside poles. These large hawks have broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail that is rusty red in adults, though juveniles have brown and banded tails. They inhabit various open habitats, from woodlands to urban areas.
The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is common, found in moist woodlands, especially near streams. Adults have reddish or rufous underparts and a strongly banded black and white tail. In flight, translucent crescents near their wingtips aid identification. This medium-sized hawk has a rising, whistled call, “kee-yar.”
Smaller, agile hawks include the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in Illinois, measuring 9 to 15 inches. Adults have dark-gray backs and rust-colored bars on their white breasts, with a squared tail. They are agile flyers, hunting smaller birds in wooded areas and sometimes near bird feeders.
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized, with a large head and broad wings. They are similar to Sharp-shinned Hawks but are larger, with blue-gray upperparts and orange-barred underparts in adults. These hawks are found in woodlands and urban environments, preying on birds like pigeons and doves.
The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a stout, crow-sized hawk with alternating dark and white tail bands of equal width. They prefer forested habitats and are less noticeable during breeding season. Northern Harriers (Circus hudsonius) are slender, medium-sized raptors with long tails and a distinctive white patch at the tail base. They fly low over marshes and grasslands, holding their wings in a V-shape, and an owl-like face. Males are gray, while females are brown with streaked undersides.
Prime Locations and Seasons for Hawk Watching
Observing hawks in Illinois is most successful during their migration periods, though several species are year-round residents. Spring migration for many species begins in February and continues through mid-April, while fall migration starts in August and peaks in September and October. During these times, large numbers of hawks, especially Broad-winged Hawks, form “kettles” as they soar on thermal currents.
Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, on Lake Michigan, is a premier location for hawk watching, especially during fall migration. Thousands of raptors, including Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks, are counted here as they are funneled along the Lake Michigan shoreline to avoid flying over open water. Fort Sheridan, also on the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Greene Valley Forest Preserve in DuPage County are other hawk-watching spots.
For resident species, suitable habitats statewide offer year-round viewing opportunities. Red-tailed Hawks are commonly sighted along roadsides, perched on fence posts or telephone poles, especially in semi-open areas and woodlots statewide. Red-shouldered Hawks can be found in moist woodlands and forests, often near water sources. Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks frequent woodlands and areas with dense tree cover, including suburban environments visiting bird feeders. Northern Harriers inhabit open areas such as marshes and fields, hunting low over the ground.