8 SPECIES OF HAWKS IN TENNESSEE (ID Guide)
This guide will show you 8 common types of hawks that are found in Tennessee. We’ll give you expert advice to help you spot these birds of prey easily. From the well-known Red-Tailed Hawk to the rare Northern Goshawk, these hawks are key to our state’s ecosystem balance. Let’s explore the world of Tennessee’s hawks together!
Hawks in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to many hawk species, each with its own unique traits. From the big Northern Goshawk to the quick Cooper’s Hawk, these birds can be found in various places. Birders and nature lovers can see how these raptors help keep ecosystems healthy.
These hawks in Tennessee can be seen all year, with some migrating at certain times. Knowing how to spot the different hawk species makes birdwatching more fun and helps us learn about nature.
Common Hawk Species That Found in Tennessee
- Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Northern Harrier
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Broad-Winged Hawk
- Northern Goshawk
Each hawk species has its own look, where it likes to live, and how it hunts. Whether you’re a pro at birdwatching or just starting, Tennessee is a great place to see these birds.
1. 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 hawks are a common sight in Tennessee, seen all year. It’s a medium-sized hawk with reddish shoulders, a dark back, and a pale, barred belly. These hawks are important predators in Tennessee’s diverse ecosystems.
Appearance and Identification
This bird stands out with its 48-inch wingspan. Its dark brown back and reddish-orange shoulders are striking. The pale, barred belly and white patches on its wings make it easy to spot.
Habitat and Breeding
Red-shouldered hawks live in Tennessee’s deciduous swamps and hardwood forests. They like to nest in wooded areas near water. In spring, they make a loud “kee-aah” call, echoing through the trees.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
These hawks hunt small mammals, crayfish, frogs, and small birds. They use different hunting methods. Sometimes, they wait patiently in a tree. Other times, they soar high and dive down to catch their prey.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Up to 48 inches |
| Plumage | Dark brown back, reddish-orange shoulders, pale barred belly |
| Habitat | Deciduous swamps and bottomland hardwood forests |
| Diet | Small mammals, crayfish, frogs, small birds |
| Call | Distinctive “kee-aah” sound |
Learning about the red-shouldered hawk helps us value their role in Tennessee’s ecosystems. Their presence shows how healthy and vibrant our natural landscapes are.
2. Northern Harrier
- Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: (46-50 cm)
- Weight: (300-750 g)
- Wingspan: (102-118 cm)
The northern harrier is a fascinating bird of prey, often seen in Tennessee. It’s also known as the “gray ghost” because of its unique look. It has an owl-like face and long, thin wings. This hawk loves to fly over open areas, showing off its skill in the sky.
These hawks are special because one male can mate with up to five females. This helps them live in big, open places like moorlands and marshes. They hunt by flying low, using their sharp eyes and ears to find small animals and birds.
The northern harrier has a wide wingspan, reaching up to 4 feet. Its gray body and white tail make it stand out as it flies. If you’re birdwatching or hiking in the right places, you might see this amazing “gray ghost” in action.
“The northern harrier is a true master of the skies, gracefully soaring over open habitats in search of its next meal.”
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Up to 4 feet |
| Habitat | Moorlands, bogs, prairies, marshes |
| Prey | Small mammals and birds |
| Mating System | Polygynous (single male mates with up to 5 females) |
3. 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 a standout among Tennessee’s hawks. It’s known for its bright red tail. You can see it flying over fields, forests, and cities across the state.
Range and Distribution
Red-tailed hawks live in many places, from Alaska to Central America. In Tennessee, they stay all year. They’re a common sight in the state’s skies.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
These hawks are flexible about where they nest. They use tall trees or man-made structures like towers. They often come back to the same nest year after year.
Prey and Hunting Techniques
Red-tailed hawks eat small mammals like voles and rabbits. They hunt from trees or from the sky. They can spot prey from above and then dive down fast to catch it.
They’re skilled at hunting in different places. This makes them a common sight in Tennessee’s skies.
“The red-tailed hawk is a true symbol of strength and resilience in the natural world. Its presence in the skies of Tennessee is a testament to the enduring power of these magnificent birds of prey.”
4. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: (37-39 cm)
- Weight: (220-410 g)
- Wingspan: (62-90 cm)
The Cooper’s Hawk is a fascinating bird of prey found in North America, including Tennessee. They are medium-sized hawks known for their amazing flying skills and sneaky hunting. This makes them a great sight in the wild.
Distinguishing Features
Cooper’s Hawks stand out with their unique look. They have rounded heads, pale orange chest bars, and long, rounded tails. Their wingspan can go up to three feet. They use their agility to catch prey much bigger than themselves.
Courtship and Nesting
During the breeding season, male Cooper’s Hawks of Tennessee perform aerial displays to attract females. Once paired, they build a nest high in tall trees. They use sticks, twigs, and other materials for the nest.
Diet and Hunting Strategies
Cooper’s Hawks are skilled hunters, focusing on small birds as their main food. They use their speed and agility to catch prey in mid-air or from a perch. They are patient and wait for the best moment to strike before making their move.
| Distinguishing Features | Courtship and Nesting | Diet and Hunting Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Rounded head Pale orange barring on chest Long, rounded tail Wingspan up to 3 feet | Male engages in aerial displays to attract females Pair builds nest high in tall trees Nest made of sticks, twigs, and other natural materials | Primarily target small birds as prey Use speed and agility to catch prey mid-air Wait patiently for the perfect opportunity to strike |
“Cooper’s Hawks are masters of stealth and agility, making them one of the most captivating birds of prey to observe in the wild.”
The Cooper’s Hawk is an amazing bird that is crucial to Tennessee’s ecosystems. With their impressive hunting skills and unique look, they fascinate birdwatchers and nature lovers.
“Watching hawks soar is a joy of being outdoors in Tennessee. These birds are crucial to our ecosystems, showing off the beauty of our state.”
When you go to see the hawks in Tennessee, keep a safe distance and don’t bother their nests or homes. By respecting these birds, we can help them stay around for a long time.
5. 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 the smallest hawk in Tennessee, but it’s just as impressive as the others. It has a grayish back and an orangy chest. It looks a bit like the Cooper’s Hawk but has its unique features.
Identification Characteristics
This hawk is known for its short, squared-off tail. It’s different from the Cooper’s hawk’s longer tail. Sharp-shinned hawks also have smaller heads and shorter beaks. They are fast and have great eyesight, making them skilled hunters.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
During the breeding season, sharp-shinned hawks perform beautiful courtship displays. They build their nests in coniferous trees, hiding them well. The female lays eggs, and both parents take turns incubating and protecting them until the chicks hatch and leave the nest.
Prey and Hunting Methods
Sharp-shinned hawks eat small birds like sparrows and finches. They hunt by attacking from hidden spots and darting through the trees. Their sharp talons and beaks help them tear and eat their prey.
Sharp-shinned hawks show how our natural world is balanced. By learning about their unique traits, we can better protect our wildlife.
6. 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 that moves between Tennessee and Central and South America. It spends its summer in Tennessee before heading south for the winter. These hawks are known for their amazing fall migration. Thousands of them form “kettles” and fly high above the ground.
Migration and Kettles
As fall comes, broad-winged hawks start their journey south. They travel in large groups called “kettles.” These kettles can have hundreds or thousands of birds. They use thermal currents to soar over long distances.
This is a beautiful sight, as the hawks go higher and higher before continuing their trip.
Habitat and Nesting
In Tennessee, broad-winged hawks like to nest in hidden forest areas, near water. They build their nests high in trees with sticks, twigs, and bark. The female lays 2-3 eggs, and both parents take turns keeping them warm and safe.
Diet and Hunting Techniques
Broad-winged hawks eat small mammals, insects, and amphibians. They are great hunters, waiting on high branches for prey. When ready, they swoop down and catch their prey with their sharp talons. Then, they return to their perch to eat.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33-40 inches |
| Length | 13-17 inches |
| Weight | 9-19 ounces |
| Plumage | Dark brown upper parts, pale underparts with dark brown bands |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed forests, often near water sources |
The broad-winged hawk is a captivating bird that is important to Tennessee’s ecosystems. Its amazing migration, varied living places, and unique hunting ways make it interesting for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
“The broad-winged hawk’s migration is a true marvel of nature, as thousands of these graceful birds soar high above the landscape, forming an awe-inspiring spectacle.”
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7. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life span: 6 years
- Size: 20-9-25.2 in
- Weight: 22.3-48.1 oz
- Wingspan: 40.5-46.1 in
The northern goshawk is a secretive and elusive hawk that lives in Tennessee’s forests. It has a gray back, red eyes, and bold chest and belly patterns. These hawks like to stay hidden in dense, mature forests away from people.
They are fiercer and more aggressive than smaller hawks like the Cooper’s hawk and sharp-shinned hawk. Northern goshawks are great hunters. They are hard to count in Tennessee because they like to stay hidden. But, you might see them in winter when food is scarce in their northern homes.
- The northern goshawk is a large, stocky hawk with a long, rounded tail and broad, rounded wings.
- These forest-dwelling raptors have a distinctive gray back, red eyes, and heavy barring on their chest and belly.
- Northern goshawks are known for their fierce and aggressive hunting behavior, targeting a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and even larger game.
Even though they are hard to see, the northern goshawk is important for Tennessee’s forests. They keep small mammals and birds in check, making the habitat healthy for many species. Seeing these hawks is rare, but it shows how rich and diverse Tennessee’s nature is.
“The northern goshawk is a secretive and powerful raptor that few have the privilege of observing in the wild.”
Wrapping Up…
Hawks In Tennessee is home to many hawk species, each with unique traits and ways of living. From the big Red-Tailed Hawk to the hidden Northern Goshawk, these birds are key to keeping nature in balance.
Learning to identify hawks helps us appreciate nature more. It’s great for both birders and those who love watching wildlife. This guide has given you the tools to spot and enjoy Tennessee’s hawks.
Let’s keep exploring and valuing the natural world. Remember, hawks are crucial to our ecosystem. By protecting their homes, we help ensure they’ll be around for future generations to see in Tennessee’s skies.
