Hawks are predatory birds, or raptors, belonging to the family Accipitridae. The term applies to several types of birds of prey, including the heavy-bodied Buteos and the agile Accipiters. North Carolina’s varied geography, spanning from the coastal plain to the Appalachian Mountains, creates diverse habitats that support many species year-round and during migration. Learning to identify the most frequently encountered species is the first step toward appreciating the state’s raptor population.
Large, Open-Country Hawks of North Carolina
The most widely observed hawks in North Carolina are the Buteos, a group of robust, broad-winged raptors often seen soaring high or perched along highways. The Red-tailed Hawk (\(Buteo jamaicensis\)) is the largest and most common, found in nearly every open habitat across the state. Its large, stocky body and dark brown belly band across a white chest make it a familiar sight when perched atop telephone poles or soaring over fields. Adults are distinguished by their rust-colored tail, visible both in flight and when perched.
Red-tailed Hawks spend much of their time hunting small mammals like rodents and rabbits from a high vantage point before swooping down to make a catch. Their broad wings and short tail are perfectly adapted for soaring on thermals and sustained flight over open country. This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting a mix of open areas for feeding and forests for nesting.
Another common Buteo is the Red-shouldered Hawk (\(Buteo lineatus\)), which prefers wooded environments, particularly mature forests near water sources like swamps and river bottomlands. Though it has broad wings, its flight is characterized by a distinctive flap-flap-glide pattern rather than the continuous soaring of the Red-tail. Adult Red-shouldered Hawks display reddish, barred underparts and a strongly barred black-and-white tail. This hawk is often heard before it is seen, as its loud, repeated “kee-ah kee-ah” call echoes through the woods.
Forest-Dwelling and Swift Hunters
In contrast to the soaring Buteos, the Accipiters are slender, short-winged, and long-tailed hawks built for speed and maneuvering through dense tree cover. The two primary Accipiters in North Carolina are the Cooper’s Hawk (\(Accipiter cooperii\)) and the Sharp-shinned Hawk (\(Accipiter striatus\)). Both species are specialized bird hunters, often seen ambushing smaller birds around backyard feeders and in suburban woodlands.
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized raptor, roughly crow-sized, and is the larger of the two Accipiters. A key identification feature is its proportionally large, blocky head that extends noticeably past the wings when in flight, often giving it a “capped” appearance. When its long tail is spread, the tip appears rounded. This hawk is highly agile and often pursues prey in rapid, aggressive chases through the forest canopy.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk found in the state, closer in size to a Blue Jay. Unlike the Cooper’s, it has a smaller, more rounded head that barely protrudes beyond the wings during flight. Its long tail appears squared or notched at the tip, a helpful distinguishing feature when the bird is airborne. Both species have similar blue-gray backs and rufous barring on the chest as adults, but their structural differences are paramount for accurate identification.
Seasonal Migration and Regional Sightings
North Carolina’s mountain ridges provide an important migratory corridor, making the state a prime location to observe seasonal hawk movements. The Broad-winged Hawk (\(Buteo platypterus\)) is the most notable seasonal visitor, breeding here during the summer but becoming highly visible during its mass migration in the fall. These small, stocky Buteos are famous for forming enormous, spiraling flocks known as “kettles.” They ride rising columns of warm air, or thermals, to conserve energy for their journey to Central and South America.
Peak migration for Broad-winged Hawks typically occurs during the third week of September. The most rewarding viewing areas are high-elevation overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which acts as a natural guide for the migrating raptors. Sites like Mahogany Rock Overlook (Milepost 235) and Mills River Overlook (Milepost 404.5) are official hawk count locations. Thousands of birds can be seen there on a single favorable day.
While the Broad-winged Hawk dominates the fall migration spectacle in the mountains, other species show regional preferences throughout the year. The Red-shouldered Hawk is abundant in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont, while the year-round Red-tailed Hawk is a common fixture along the state’s major roadways and farmlands. Watching for these hawks requires knowing not only what to look for, but also when and where to direct your gaze.