California is home to a diverse array of bird species, including many different types of hawks.
These birds of prey are known for their sharp eyesight and powerful flying abilities, and they can be found in a variety of habitats across the state.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the different types of hawks that call California home, including their physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats.
From the common red-tailed hawk to the rare ferruginous hawk, California is home to a fascinating array of these impressive birds.
Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply curious about the natural world, learning about the different types of hawks that live in California is sure to be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
Here are the top 10 hawks in our list:
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Northern Harrier
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Swainson’s Hawk
- Ferruginous Hawk
- Rough-legged Hawk
- Northern Goshawk
- Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a large bird of prey that is native to North and Central America. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The red-tailed hawk is distinctive for its reddish-brown tail feathers, which give the bird its name.
The upper parts of the bird are typically brown or gray, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The red-tailed hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female red-tailed hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male red-tailed hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female red-tailed hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female red-tailed hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, red-tailed hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Red-tailed hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The red-shouldered hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, swamps, and urban areas.
The red-shouldered hawk is distinctive for its reddish-brown shoulders, which give the bird its name.
The upper parts of the bird are typically dark brown or black, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The red-shouldered hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female red-shouldered hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male red-shouldered hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail.
Female red-shouldered hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female red-shouldered hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, red-shouldered hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Red-shouldered hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The Cooper’s hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The Cooper’s hawk is distinctive for its dark plumage, which is blue-gray on the upperparts and reddish-brown on the underparts.
The Cooper’s hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed. The tail of the Cooper’s hawk is long and rounded, with distinctive white bands on the outer feathers.
Male and female Cooper’s hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring. Male Cooper’s hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail.
Female Cooper’s hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female Cooper’s hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their underparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, Cooper’s hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Cooper’s hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Northern Harrier
The northern harrier hawk, also known as the marsh hawk, is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The northern harrier hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including marshes, meadows, and grasslands.
The northern harrier hawk is distinctive for its long, slender wings and its long, rounded tail.
The upperparts of the bird are typically brown or gray, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The northern harrier hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female northern harrier hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male northern harrier hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail.
Female northern harrier hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female northern harrier hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, northern harrier hawks are solitary birds and are often seen soaring or gliding over open areas, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Northern harrier hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is a small bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The sharp-shinned hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The sharp-shinned hawk is distinctive for its small size and its long, narrow wings.
The upperparts of the bird are typically blue-gray or brown, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The sharp-shinned hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female sharp-shinned hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male sharp-shinned hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female sharp-shinned hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female sharp-shinned hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, sharp-shinned hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Sharp-shinned hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The Swainson’s hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The Swainson’s hawk is distinctive for its long, slender wings and its long, rounded tail.
The upperparts of the bird are typically brown or gray, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The Swainson’s hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female Swainson’s hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male Swainson’s hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female Swainson’s hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female Swainson’s hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, Swainson’s hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Swainson’s hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk is a large bird of prey that is native to North and Central America. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The ferruginous hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.
The ferruginous hawk is distinctive for its large size and its pale, reddish-brown plumage.
The upperparts of the bird are typically pale brown or buff, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The ferruginous hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female ferruginous hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male ferruginous hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female ferruginous hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female ferruginous hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, ferruginous hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Ferruginous hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Rough-legged Hawk
The rough-legged hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The rough-legged hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including tundra, grasslands, and urban areas.
The rough-legged hawk is distinctive for its long, slender wings and its long, rounded tail.
The upperparts of the bird are typically dark brown or black, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The rough-legged hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female rough-legged hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male rough-legged hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female rough-legged hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female rough-legged hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, rough-legged hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Rough-legged hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The northern goshawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The northern goshawk is distinctive for its large size and its dark, gray plumage.
The upperparts of the bird are typically dark gray or black, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The northern goshawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female northern goshawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male northern goshawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail.
Female northern goshawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female northern goshawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, northern goshawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Northern goshawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Broad-winged Hawk
The broad-winged hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The broad-winged hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The broad-winged hawk is distinctive for its short, rounded wings and its long, rounded tail.
The upperparts of the bird are typically dark brown or black, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The broad-winged hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female broad-winged hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male broad-winged hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female broad-winged hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female broad-winged hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, broad-winged hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey. They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Broad-winged hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Zone-tailed Hawk
The zone-tailed hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The zone-tailed hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The zone-tailed hawk is distinctive for its long, slender wings and its long, rounded tail. The upperparts of the bird are typically dark brown or black, with pale bars or bands on the wings and tail.
The underparts of the zone-tailed hawk are typically white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars. The zone-tailed hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female zone-tailed hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male zone-tailed hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female zone-tailed hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female zone-tailed hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, zone-tailed hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Zone-tailed hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Gray Hawk
The gray hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The gray hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The gray hawk is distinctive for its long, slender wings and its long, rounded tail.
The upperparts of the bird are typically gray or brown, while the underparts are white or pale buff, with dark streaks or bars.
The gray hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female gray hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male gray hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail. Female gray hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female gray hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, gray hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Gray hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Common Black Hawk
The common black hawk is a large bird of prey that is native to North and Central America.
It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes other raptors such as eagles, kites, and Old World vultures.
The common black hawk is a common and widespread species, and it can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
The common black hawk is distinctive for its large size and its all-black plumage.
The upperparts of the bird are solid black, while the underparts are black with white or pale buff markings.
The common black hawk has a large, rounded head with yellow eyes, and its beak is hooked and sharply pointed.
Male and female common black hawks are similar in appearance, but there are some differences in size and coloring.
Male common black hawks are generally smaller than females and have narrower wings and a shorter tail.
Female common black hawks are typically larger and more robust than males, with broader wings and a longer tail.
In addition, the coloring of male and female common black hawks can vary slightly, with females tending to have more reddish-brown markings on their upperparts and males having more pale markings.
In terms of behavior, common black hawks are solitary birds and are often seen perching on trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey.
They are skilled hunters and will feed on a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Common black hawks are also known for their aerial displays, which often involve soaring and diving while making loud, distinctive calls.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many different species of hawks that can be found in California.
These include the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, northern harrier hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, Swainson’s hawk, ferruginous hawk, rough-legged hawk, northern goshawk, broad-winged hawk, zone-tailed hawk, gray hawk, and common black hawk.
Each of these species is unique and has its own distinctive physical features and behaviors. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or simply someone who loves nature, observing these beautiful birds of prey can be a thrilling and rewarding experience.
If you are interested in spotting hawks in California, it is best to research the specific habitats and locations where different species are known to reside.