The common question, “Do hawks have white heads?” often stems from a general association of large, white-headed raptors with the term “hawk.” Hawks are a type of raptor, or bird of prey, known for their sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight, which they use to hunt and consume other animals.
The Iconic White Head and Its True Owner
The image of a large bird of prey with a striking white head is widely recognized, but this iconic appearance belongs primarily to the Bald Eagle, not a hawk. Many people mistakenly refer to the Bald Eagle as a “white-headed hawk” due to its prominent white head and tail contrasting with its dark brown body. The term “bald” in its name comes from an older English word meaning “white-headed,” accurately describing its appearance.
While both hawks and eagles are raptors and belong to the same family, Accipitridae, they are classified into different genera or subfamilies. Eagles are generally larger and possess a heavier build than most hawks, with a wingspan that can reach 6 to 7 feet. Adult Bald Eagles typically measure 2.5 to 3 feet in length. Their large size allows them to hunt larger prey, including fish, which they often snatch from the water with their powerful talons. Younger Bald Eagles do not display the characteristic white head and tail until they are about five years old, appearing mostly brown with some white markings.
Head Colors of Common Hawk Species
Most true hawk species do not feature a prominently white head; instead, their head coloration varies depending on the species and age. For instance, the Red-tailed Hawk, one of North America’s most common hawks, typically has a brown head. While their plumage can be highly variable, some regional variations, like the “Krider’s” hawk of the Great Plains, can have a paler, whitish head. However, the defining feature of the Red-tailed Hawk is its brick-red tail in adults, which is uniformly red above.
Cooper’s Hawks, known for their agility, exhibit different head colors based on age. Adults typically have a steely blue-gray back with a contrasting blackish cap on their head and a paler nape. Juvenile Cooper’s Hawks, in contrast, have brown upperparts, including their head, often with thin, dark streaks on their chest.
Sharp-shinned Hawks, smaller relatives of Cooper’s Hawks, also show age-related head color variations. Adult Sharp-shinned Hawks generally have a dark blue-gray crown and upperparts, while juveniles have brown upperparts, with their brown head often streaked whitish.
Red-shouldered Hawks, another common species, typically have brownish heads and backs. These variations highlight that a solid white head is not a typical characteristic of most true hawk species.
Key Characteristics for Hawk Identification
Beyond head color, several other characteristics are important for accurately identifying hawks and distinguishing them from other raptors. Body size is a significant indicator, with hawks generally being medium-sized birds of prey.
Hawks are broadly categorized into two main groups: Accipiters and Buteos. Accipiters, such as Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks, are often found in forested areas and are characterized by short, rounded wings and long tails, which aid in maneuvering through dense vegetation. Their flight pattern often involves a series of quick wing beats followed by brief glides.
Buteos, including the Red-tailed Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk, are typically larger with broad, rounded wings and shorter, broader tails. These hawks are well-suited for soaring at higher altitudes over open landscapes, often utilizing thermal air currents. Their flight pattern often involves extended periods of gliding.
Tail shape and markings are also crucial; for example, Cooper’s Hawks have a rounded tail, while Sharp-shinned Hawks have a more squared or notched tail. The presence of distinctive markings, such as the Red-tailed Hawk’s “belly band” or the Red-shouldered Hawk’s translucent wing patches, can further aid in identification.