8 Species of Hawks in Illinois (With Pictures)
Do you Love Hawks In Illinois? Illinois is more than just cornfields and cities. It’s a place where many kinds of hawks live. We’re excited to tell you about the 8 hawk species found in Illinois. Do you know which hawk species are common in the state?
Illinois is home to hawks like the Red-tailed Hawk and the Northern Goshawk. Each hawk has its own look, way of hunting, and role in nature. We’ll explore these hawks’ unique traits with beautiful photos to help you identify them.
Hawks in Illinois
Illinois is full of different hawk species. Each hawk plays a key role in the state’s ecosystem. There are 8 hawk species in Illinois. Bird lovers and nature fans can see many raptors.
Learning about Illinois’ hawk species helps us value their role in our ecosystems. Hawks are key to keeping our nature vibrant and alive.
Common Hawks Species That Found In Illinois
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Broad-Winged Hawk
- Northern Goshawk
- Rough-legged Hawk
- Swainson’s Hawk
1. Red-tailed Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: (50-65 cm)
- Weight: (900-1460 g)
- Wingspan: (114-133 cm)
The red-tailed hawk is common in Illinois. It’s easy to spot because of its red tail. You can see it flying over fields, forests, and even in suburbs.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Adult red-tailed hawks are big with broad wings and a barrel-chested look. They are 18-26 inches long and have a wingspan of 4-5 feet. They have dark brown backs and light chests. Their tails are rusty-red, which is how they got their name.
Juveniles look different with brown and white feathers. It takes them a few years to look like adults.
Habitat and Nesting Behavior
Red-tailed hawks live in many places, like grasslands, forests, and cities. They build big nests in tall trees. They use the same nest every year.
They are known for their amazing flying skills. They soar and dive to protect their territory and find mates.
Diet and Hunting Techniques
Red-tailed hawks eat small mammals like rabbits and rodents. They also eat birds, reptiles, and carrion. They are patient hunters. They wait high up and then swoop down to catch their prey.
The red-tailed hawk is a beautiful bird that is important in Illinois. Also, We can learn a lot about them by understanding their looks, where they live, and how they hunt.
2. Red-shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Life span: 19 years
- Size: (43-61 cm)
- Weight: (486-774 g)
- Wingspan: (94-111 cm)
The red-shouldered hawk lives in Illinois all year. It loves the woods and forests. It has a special look with a barred chest, white wings, and a unique sound.
These hawks are great hunters. They live in forests to catch small animals, reptiles, and amphibians. They often use the same nest every year in Illinois’ green woods.
Identifying the Red-shouldered Hawk
It’s easy to spot a red-shouldered hawk by looking for certain things. Look for:
- Barred rufous chest and belly
- White underwings with black and white bands
- Distinctive “kee-yer” or “kee-you” call
- Preferred habitat in wooded areas and forests
Habitat and Nesting Behavior
Red-shouldered hawks live in Illinois all year. They like the woods. They use the same nest every year, high in tall trees.
This lets them stay in their favorite places. They can hunt well for food.
| Red-shouldered Hawk Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 16-24 inches in length, with a wingspan of 35-50 inches |
| Plumage | Barred rufous chest and belly, white underwings with black and white bands |
| Hunting Behavior | Primarily preys on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in forested habitats |
| Nesting | Adept at reusing their nests from previous years, building them high up in tall trees |
“The red-shouldered hawk is a true symbol of the Illinois wilderness, its presence a testament to the health and vitality of our state’s ecosystems.”
3. Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
- Life span: 5 years
- Size: (24-34 cm)
- Weight: (87-218 g)
- Wingspan: (43-56 cm)
The sharp-shinned hawk is a cool bird found in Illinois. It’s the smallest hawk in the U.S. These birds have a special look and ways that are fun to watch.
Migratory Patterns
These hawks move a lot, living in Canada and Alaska in the summer. They go to Illinois and other places in the fall. Some fly thousands of miles each year.
Hunting Strategies and Diet
Sharp-shinned hawks are fast and sneaky hunters. They eat mostly small birds. They jump out from hiding spots to catch their food with their sharp claws and beaks.
Sharp-shinned hawks are important in Illinois’ bird life. They help keep the balance in nature. We need to protect these amazing birds.
4. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: (37-39 cm)
- Weight: (220-410 g)
- Wingspan: (62-90 cm)
In Illinois, the cooper’s hawk is a special bird. It looks a lot like the sharp-shinned hawk. But, it’s bigger and has some key differences.
Similarities and Differences with the Sharp-shinned Hawk
Both birds have blue-gray backs and orange-barred chests. But, Cooper’s hawk is bigger. It has a rounder head and a longer tail. The sharp-shinned hawk moves fast, but the cooper’s hawk is also very agile in the air.
Backyard Bird Feeder Visitors
The cooper’s hawk likes to visit bird feeders in Illinois. It goes after songbirds quickly and precisely. Homeowners might see this hawk hunting in their yards.
| Characteristic | Cooper’s Hawk | Sharp-shinned Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger, with a rounded head and broader tail | Smaller, with a sharper, more angular head |
| Speed and Agility | Impressive aerial maneuverability | Lightning-fast, highly maneuverable |
| Prey | Primarily songbirds, including those at backyard feeders | Small birds, such as sparrows and finches |
The Cooper’s hawk shows how diverse Illinois’s birds are. It helps us understand the balance in nature. By learning about this hawk, we can help protect our natural world.
5. Broad-winged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: (34-44 cm)
- Weight: (265-560 g)
- Wingspan: (81-100 cm)
The broad-winged hawk is a bird of prey found in Illinois. They are known for their big flights to Central and South America. These hawks are small but important in Illinois’ ecosystem.
Breeding Range and Migration
Broad-winged hawks live in Illinois during summer. They come in early spring to find a place to nest. They live all over the state, from the north to the south.
When summer ends, they fly south in big groups. This is called a “kettle.” Thousands of hawks fly together, using the wind to cover long distances.
Nesting Habits and Behavior
Broad-winged hawks build their nests high in trees. They use the same spot every year. Their nests are big, up to 3 feet wide, made of sticks and twigs.
They are very protective of their nests and young. They will fight off any predators or intruders.
“The broad-winged hawk’s migration is a true marvel of nature, as these small but mighty raptors journey thousands of miles to their wintering grounds.”
The broad-winged hawk is a key bird in Illinois. Their big flights and unique nests make them interesting to watch. They are important to the ecosystem and loved by birdwatchers.
6. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life span: 6 years
- Size: 25.2 in
- Weight: (265-560 g)
- Wingspan: 40.5-46.1 in
The northern goshawk lives in Illinois’s forests. It’s a big, strong hawk with dark gray feathers and a light stripe over its eyes. This makes it easy to spot for those who know what to look for.
Physical Appearance and Identification
This hawk can grow up to 24 inches long and has a wingspan of almost 4 feet. It has a strong beak and sharp claws for catching small to medium birds and mammals. In the sky, its wide wings and long tail make it stand out from other hawks in Illinois.
Habitat Preferences and Nesting
Northern goshawks love big, old forests. They build their nests high up. These birds are very protective of their nests and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They live in deep, wooded areas, making them hard to see, even for birdwatchers.
“The northern goshawk is a true master of the forest, an apex predator that commands respect and awe from all who witness its power and grace.”
The northern goshawk is a key bird in Illinois. It’s known for its looks and how it protects its territory. This bird shows how rich and strong Illinois’s nature is.
7. Rough-legged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
- Life span: 3 years
- Size: 18.5-20.5 inches
- Weight: 25.2-49.4 oz
- Wingspan: 52.0-54.3 inches
In Illinois, when winter comes, we see a special hawk. This hawk comes to our state from the Arctic tundra. It has feathers on its legs and comes in light and dark colors.
Plumage Variations and Identification
The rough-legged hawk looks amazing. It can be light or dark, with a white or dark body. All have dark patches on their wings and tails. The feathers on their legs help tell them apart from other hawks.
Winter Migration and Range
These hawks visit Illinois only in winter. They come from the far north to find food and open spaces. You can see them in the middle and north of Illinois, looking for small animals.
| Rough-legged Hawk Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Plumage | Light and dark color morphs, with distinctive dark patches at the wrist joint and dark bands across the tail |
| Identification | Feathered legs extending to the toes, setting them apart from other hawk species |
| Migration | Migrates south from the Arctic tundra to Illinois during the winter months |
| Range | Most commonly sighted in central and northern Illinois, where they can be observed hunting in open grasslands and fields |
“The rough-legged hawk is a true winter wonder, gracing us with its presence and captivating us with its unique appearance and hunting behavior.”
8. Swainson’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo swainsoni
- Life span: 16-19 years
- Size: (48-56 cm)
- Weight: (693-1367 g)
- Wingspan: (117-137 cm)
The Swainson’s hawk is a special bird in Illinois. It’s known for its long flights. These birds have a unique place to live and a fascinating way of moving.
Breeding Range in Illinois
In Illinois, the Swainson’s hawk lives mainly in the northwest, near the Mississippi River. They love the open fields and farms there. You can see them flying high, with their long wings and short tails.
Long-Distance Migration
The Swainson’s hawk is famous for its long trips. Every year, they fly from South America to North America, including Illinois. This shows how strong and flexible they are.
In the fall, these hawks gather in big groups before leaving for the winter. Bird lovers in Illinois can see them flying together. It’s a beautiful sight.
“Witnessing the Swainson’s hawk’s migration is a truly awe-inspiring experience. These birds’ ability to traverse vast distances and adapt to diverse environments is a testament to the remarkable resilience of the natural world.”
Learning about the Swainson’s hawk helps us appreciate nature more. It shows us how important it is to protect their homes. We need to keep working to save their places so they can keep living in Illinois.
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Hawks in Illinois
Illinois is great for watching the Hawks all year. You can see many hawk species in the state. It’s perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Knowing where and when to look for hawks makes your outdoor time better.
Best Places and Times to Spot Hawks
Look for hawks in open areas like fields, meadows, and roadsides. Wooded areas are also good spots. You can see them soaring or perched in trees. Some top places for hawk watching in Illinois are:
- Kennekuk Cove County Park in Vermilion County
- Nachusa Grasslands in Ogle County
- Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in Putnam County
- Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County
The best time to see hawks varies by species. For example, the Red-tailed Hawk is around all year. But, the Broad-winged Hawk is best seen in spring and fall. Autumn is the best time to see many hawks in Illinois.
Conservation Efforts and Threats
Many hawks in Illinois are doing well, but some are not. Threats like losing their homes, hitting vehicles, and human disturbance harm them. We need to watch their numbers, protect their homes, and teach people about hawks.
“Hawks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of Illinois’ ecosystems, and their preservation is essential for the overall health of the state’s wildlife.”
Knowing where and when to see hawks helps us protect them. It also helps us enjoy the hawks that live in Illinois.
Wrapping Up…
Illinois is home to many hawk species, each with its own special traits. From the red-tailed hawk to the northern goshawk, these birds show the state’s rich nature. They play a big role in keeping Illinois’ wildlife and ecosystems balanced.
We can see these amazing birds flying high or sitting in trees and on power lines. They remind us of nature’s balance and their important role. Let’s keep exploring and protecting Illinois’ hawks.
In summary, our look at 8 species of hawks in Illinois shows how diverse and important they are. By understanding and valuing these raptors, we help make sure future generations will also enjoy Illinois’ bird wonders.
