Top 8 Hawks You Can See in Tennessee (With Photos)
Tennessee is home to a variety of beautiful hawks that grace the skies with their powerful wings and sharp talons. From the red-shouldered hawk with its striking plumage to the mighty red-tailed hawk, these birds of prey play a critical role in maintaining the balance of nature. Hawks, with their keen eyesight and swift hunting abilities, have long captivated the imaginations of birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
In this article, we’ll dive into the unique characteristics of each species, including their size, diet, and lifespan. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or someone curious about Tennessee wildlife, these hawks offer a glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity. So, let’s take a closer look at these incredible raptors, starting with one of the most common species you might encounter in Tennessee.
1. Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is one of the most common and easily recognized hawks in Tennessee, known for its vibrant plumage and distinct call. These medium-sized hawks prefer wooded areas near water, such as swamps and rivers. They are often spotted perched on tree branches, scanning the ground for prey. Their striking red shoulders, banded tail, and sharp whistle make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
- Size: 17-24 inches
- Weight: 1.1 to 1.9 pounds
- Wingspan: 37-43 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years in the wild
Diet:
- Small mammals like voles and mice
- Frogs, lizards, and snakes
- Insects such as grasshoppers and crickets
Red-shouldered hawks are fierce hunters and use their sharp talons to grab prey from the ground or shallow water. They are also very territorial and will defend their nesting areas vigorously. During the breeding season, they build nests high in the trees using sticks and leaves. These hawks are known for their loyalty, often returning to the same nesting spot year after year.
2. Northern Harrier
The northern harrier is a graceful hawk that soars low over open fields and marshes, gliding effortlessly as it hunts for food. Unlike other hawks, the northern harrier relies heavily on its sense of hearing to locate prey. Its distinctive white rump patch and owl-like face make it easy to identify in the wild.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
- Size: 18-20 inches
- Weight: 0.6 to 1.3 pounds
- Wingspan: 40-46 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years
Diet:
- Small mammals like mice and voles
- Birds, especially small songbirds
- Frogs and reptiles
This hawk’s hunting style is unique. The northern harrier flies low over fields, using its keen eyesight and hearing to detect movement below. It prefers open spaces and is commonly seen gliding over grasslands or marshy areas in search of food. This species is often solitary, except during the breeding season when males may mate with multiple females and provide food for all their nests.
3. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is perhaps the most well-known and widespread hawk in North America. Its loud, raspy scream is often used in movies to represent any bird of prey, even if the actual bird on screen is different! This large hawk is known for its reddish tail feathers, powerful build, and keen hunting abilities.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Size: 18-26 inches
- Weight: 2 to 3.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 43-56 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Diet:
- Small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels
- Birds, especially pigeons and doves
- Reptiles like snakes and lizards
The red-tailed hawk is a versatile hunter, adapting to various environments, from dense forests to open farmlands. It often soars high above, searching for prey with its excellent eyesight. When it spots something, it swoops down quickly, capturing its prey with its sharp talons. These hawks are known to be monogamous, often pairing with the same mate for life.
4. Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s hawk is a fast and agile bird of prey, well-suited for hunting in wooded areas. It’s a bird often seen darting through trees in pursuit of smaller birds, relying on its speed and surprise to capture its meals. These hawks are often spotted in both rural and suburban settings in Tennessee.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
- Size: 14-20 inches
- Weight: 0.7 to 1.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 24-37 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Diet:
- Small birds like sparrows and pigeons
- Small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks
- Occasionally reptiles and amphibians
Cooper’s hawks are highly skilled hunters, often flying through dense woods at high speeds to catch their prey. Their short, rounded wings and long tails give them incredible maneuverability in tight spaces. These birds are quite common in suburban areas where bird feeders attract plenty of small birds, which are Cooper’s hawk’s primary prey.
5. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is the smallest hawk in North America but is no less ferocious when it comes to hunting. It has a similar appearance to the Cooper’s hawk, though it is noticeably smaller. These hawks are quick and agile, making them expert hunters in forests and wooded areas.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
- Size: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 0.2 to 0.4 pounds
- Wingspan: 17-23 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
Diet:
- Small birds, primarily songbirds
- Rodents like mice and shrews
- Insects during warmer months
Sharp-shinned hawks are known for their daring hunting style. They often surprise their prey, swooping down with incredible speed and precision. These hawks are most commonly found in forests but can also be seen in backyards where bird feeders attract small birds. They are secretive and can be hard to spot unless you know what to look for.
6. Broad-Winged Hawk
The broad-winged hawk is a migratory bird that spends its summers in Tennessee before heading to Central and South America for the winter. These hawks are known for traveling in large groups, or “kettles,” during migration, creating an awe-inspiring sight in the sky.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
- Size: 13-17 inches
- Weight: 0.9 to 1.3 pounds
- Wingspan: 31-39 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Diet:
- Small mammals like chipmunks and mice
- Amphibians such as frogs and toads
- Insects, especially during the summer
Broad-winged hawks of Tennessee are most commonly seen during their migration in the fall when they form massive groups that can number in the thousands. These hawks prefer to live in forests and woodlands, where they build their nests high in the trees. Their call is a high-pitched whistle, which can often be heard in wooded areas.
7. Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk is a large, powerful hawk with a fierce reputation as a hunter. It is a rare but exciting sight in Tennessee, primarily found in more remote areas. This bird of prey is known for its aggressive hunting style and territorial nature.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
- Size: 20-27 inches
- Weight: 1.5 to 3 pounds
- Wingspan: 40-46 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 17 years
Diet:
- Medium-sized birds like grouse and crows
- Mammals such as rabbits and squirrels
- Occasionally, reptiles and amphibians
Northern goshawks are formidable hunters, chasing down their prey with relentless speed and agility. They are often found in large forests and are very territorial, defending their hunting grounds from other raptors. These hawks have been used in falconry for centuries due to their impressive hunting skills.
8. Rough-Legged Hawk
The rough-legged hawk is a winter visitor to Tennessee, migrating from the Arctic tundra to warmer climates. This hawk is unique in that it has feathers that extend down its legs, helping it stay warm in cold environments. It is most often seen hovering over open fields in search of prey.
Physical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
- Size: 18-24 inches
- Weight: 2 to 3 pounds
- Wingspan: 48-60 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 18 years
Diet:
- Small mammals like voles and lemmings
- Birds, especially ground-nesting species
- Carrion when other food is scarce
Rough-legged hawks of Tennessee have a distinctive flight pattern, often hovering in place while scanning the ground for food. They are most commonly seen in open areas such as fields and farmlands. Despite their large size, these hawks are delicate fliers and can remain in the air with minimal effort, making them excellent hunters in the winter months.
Read More🐦Related Articles:
- Finches In Hawaii
- Green Birds in Sarasota Florida
- Small Birds with Long Tails
- Types of Conures
- Scary Bird Species
- Doves in Arizona
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s hawks are an incredible part of the state’s ecosystem. Each species brings its unique set of skills and behaviors, helping keep the balance of nature in check. Whether soaring high in the sky or darting through the trees, these birds of prey are an essential and awe-inspiring part of the natural world.
