The term “hawk” refers to various medium-sized raptors, or birds of prey, primarily belonging to the family Accipitridae. These birds are unified by features adapted for hunting, such as sharp, hooked bills, powerful feet with curved talons, and keen eyesight. Ohio’s geography provides diverse year-round habitats and serves as a major corridor for migratory species. The state’s mix of woodlands, agricultural fields, and river systems supports different hunting styles, and Lake Erie concentrates migrating birds, offering seasonal viewing opportunities.
Ohio’s Most Recognizable Soaring Hawks (Buteos)
The most frequently observed hawks in Ohio belong to the Buteo genus, commonly known as soaring hawks, characterized by their robust bodies and broad, rounded wings. These raptors ride thermal updrafts, allowing them to circle high overhead and conserve energy while scanning the landscape below. The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is the most common and widespread hawk in the state, often seen perched on utility poles or fence posts overlooking open fields. Adults are easily recognized by their namesake brick-red tail and a band of dark streaking across their pale belly.
The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is another year-round resident, though some individuals move south for the winter. This species prefers mature, moist deciduous forests, often nesting near streams or bottomlands. Identification is aided by the rich reddish-orange barring on the underparts and a tail banded with black and white. In flight, a distinctive translucent crescent window is visible near the wingtips, and their repeated “kee-errr” call often reveals their presence.
The Quick and Agile Forest Hunters (Accipiters)
A second group of hawks, the Accipiters, are specialized for high-speed maneuvering within dense cover, evidenced by their short, rounded wings and long tails. The Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) are the two primary species found across Ohio. These agile hunters primarily prey on smaller birds and mammals, often making rapid dashes from a concealed perch, which is why they are frequently spotted near backyard bird feeders.
Distinguishing between the two can be challenging because of their similar plumage, but size and structure offer reliable clues. The Cooper’s Hawk is roughly the size of a crow and has a larger, blockier head that extends noticeably beyond the wings in flight. Conversely, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is closer to the size of a Blue Jay and appears more dainty, with a smaller, rounded head that barely projects past the leading edge of the wings. Adult Cooper’s Hawks have a rounded tail tip, whereas the Sharp-shinned Hawk’s tail is straight or slightly notched at the end.
Hawks of Passage: Seasonal Visitors and Migrants
Ohio’s location means that some hawk species are only present for part of the year, passing through on migration or arriving to spend the winter. The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a summer resident known for its remarkable seasonal movements. During fall migration, these modest-sized buteos gather in large, swirling flocks known as “kettles” as they journey toward Central and South America. They utilize columns of rising warm air, or thermals, to gain altitude without flapping, efficiently gliding from one thermal to the next.
In contrast, the Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) is a visitor that arrives from the Arctic tundra to winter in Ohio, typically from November through March. This large raptor is named for the feathers that extend down its legs all the way to its feet, an adaptation for its frigid northern breeding grounds. Rough-legged Hawks prefer open country, such as agricultural fields and grasslands, where they can be seen hovering stationary in the air, a behavior called “wind-kiting,” before dropping to capture small prey like voles. Occasionally, a Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), the largest Accipiter, may appear as a rare winter visitor, especially when northern prey populations are scarce.