How to Identify North American Hawks

Hawks used to be hunted in North America, but they are now considered "birds of prey" that are protected by law. These interesting birds are hunters themselves, so they are usually seen alone, although you can see many together during migration. The hawk is a diverse species that includes many groups, including Buteos, Falcons, Eagles, Accipiters and Northern Harriers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars
• Birding Field Guide

1. Locate where the birds live. The red-tailed hawk is a common hawk that nests in trees and soars over open country. The broad-winged hawk winters in the tropics, but lives in northeast North America during the summer. The Swainson's hawk can be seen in the western part of the United States.

2. Note the color of the birds, which vary with different plumage at various ages. They are mostly brown, but the Harris's Hawk, which lives in the southern North America, is dark with red shoulders. Most red-tailed hawks have a white chest and their backs are reddish in color. The gray hawk lives up to its name, for sure, and the zone-tailed hawk is often mistaken for a vulture, as it has a blackish body, but can be recognized by white bands on its tail.

3. Listen to a hawk’s call, which is generally a high, piercing whistle, though some have a harsher sound and others have a chattering call.

4. Watch the birds when they are flying. Their wing-shape and tail colors are more easily identified in flight. The white-tailed hawk appears only in south Texas and has a very short tail and broad wings.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider joining one of the organizations that help to preserve the habitat of North America's birds, like the National Audubon Society.