Ohio’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open fields, host a variety of hawk species. These powerful birds of prey are a common sight across the state, captivating observers with their impressive flight and hunting abilities. Understanding the different types of hawks found in Ohio and their unique features can enhance any outdoor experience. This guide explores frequently observed hawk species, their identification, and where and when to spot them.
Ohio’s Most Common Hawk Species
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most familiar hawk in Ohio, often seen perched on roadside poles or soaring high above fields. This large hawk typically displays a rich brown back and a pale underside with a streaked belly, though its plumage can vary significantly across different populations. Its distinctive rust-colored tail, visible from above, is a key identifying feature in adult birds. In flight, they exhibit broad, rounded wings and often give a hoarse, screaming call that lasts several seconds.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized raptor frequently found in woodlands, particularly near rivers and wetlands. Adults are recognizable by reddish-orange barring on the chest and a boldly banded black and white tail. In flight, they show black and white checkered wings and often glide with wingtips slightly pushed forward, revealing translucent crescents. They have a distinctive, high-pitched “kee-aah” call that can sometimes be mimicked by blue jays.
Broad-winged Hawks are smaller, compact hawks with chunky bodies and broad, pointed wings. These forest-dwelling birds are typically brown above and have barred underparts, with adults displaying broad black and white bands on their tails. During migration, they are known to form spectacular large groups called “kettles,” soaring in tight circles on thermals. Their call is a plaintive, high-pitched whistle, often heard before the bird itself is seen.
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized “accipiters,” characterized by their shorter, rounded wings and long tails, which aid in agile flight through wooded areas. Adults have slate-gray upperparts, a dark cap, and rusty barring on their underparts; their long tail often appears rounded at the tip. These hawks are known for their flap-flap-glide flight pattern and are quite vocal, especially during breeding season, producing a loud “kac-kac-kac” call. They are frequently observed near suburban bird feeders, as small birds constitute a significant portion of their diet.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk species in Ohio and shares many similarities with the Cooper’s Hawk, making identification challenging. It has a small head, short, rounded wings, and a long, squared-off tail. Adults are blue-gray above with narrow orange bars on their breast, while juveniles appear brown with vertical streaking. Sharp-shinned Hawks are agile fliers, often seen speeding through dense woods with a rapid series of wingbeats followed by a glide. Their call is a sharp “kik-kik-kik” series, higher pitched than that of a Cooper’s Hawk.
Rough-legged Hawks are large, speckled hawks that primarily visit Ohio during the winter months. They are easily distinguished by the feathers extending down to their feet, which gives them their name. These hawks have broad wings, often held in a shallow “V” shape during flight, and typically display a dark belly patch and a white tail with a broad dark band at the tip. They are notable for their hovering flight, often remaining stationary in the air while scanning open fields for prey. Their calls include a catlike mew.
Identifying Hawks by Characteristics
Identifying hawks often relies on general characteristics, especially in flight. A key distinction lies in their silhouette and body shape, separating “buteos” from “accipiters.” Buteos, like Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks, typically have broad wings and shorter, stout tails for soaring. Accipiters, such as Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, possess shorter, rounded wings and longer tails for agile maneuvering through dense forests.
Flight patterns provide additional clues. Buteos often soar in wide circles with minimal flapping, while accipiters exhibit a characteristic “flap-flap-glide” motion. The Rough-legged Hawk, a winter visitor, is unique among buteos for its ability to hover almost perfectly still. Tail shape (rounded, squared, or fanned) also aids identification. For example, Cooper’s Hawks generally have a rounded tail, while Sharp-shinned Hawks often have a squared tail.
Habitat also aids identification, as certain hawk species prefer specific environments. For example, Red-shouldered Hawks favor woodlands near water, while Red-tailed Hawks are common in open country. Behavioral cues, such as hunting styles or perching habits, offer further insight. Accipiters often ambush prey from concealed perches, while buteos typically hunt from high perches or while soaring.
Where and When to Observe Hawks
Hawks can be observed across Ohio year-round, with seasonal variations influencing prominent species. Resident species like the Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks are present year-round in various habitats. Other species are migratory; some are summer breeders (e.g., Broad-winged Hawk), while others are winter visitors (e.g., Rough-legged Hawk).
Spring and fall migrations offer prime hawk watching opportunities as large numbers move through the state. Fall migration (September-November) is notable for concentrated movements of Broad-winged Hawks, forming large “kettles.” Locations along the Lake Erie shoreline, such as Magee Marsh, are well-known for observing migratory birds, including hawks.
Hawks inhabit a wide array of Ohio habitats, including forests, open fields, agricultural lands, and suburban parks. Patience and a good pair of binoculars are beneficial for successful hawk observation, allowing detailed views without disturbance.