10 Types of Hawks in Virginia (With Pictures and Identification)

Virginia hosts a various vary of hawks, from widespread species just like the Purple-tailed Hawk and Purple-shouldered Hawk to uncommon guests such because the Ferruginous Hawk and Swainson’s Hawk. These birds differ in measurement, coloration patterns, searching methods, and most popular habitats, making every species distinctive and fascinating to watch. Some are year-round residents, whereas others move by way of the state throughout migration or seem solely in winter, providing birdwatchers totally different alternatives all year long.

This information introduces 10 kinds of hawks present in Virginia, offering detailed data on their look, measurement, habits, and habitats. By studying these key options, birdwatchers and nature lovers can extra simply acknowledge every raptor within the wild and perceive their function in Virginia’s ecosystems.

Frequent Hawks Present in Virginia

Purple-tailed Hawk

The Purple-tailed Hawk is among the commonest and recognizable raptors in Virginia. Grownup birds are notable for his or her broad, rounded wings, sturdy physique, and attribute reddish-brown tail that’s significantly seen in flight. Their plumage varies from gentle to darkish brown on the again with paler undersides streaked with brown.

These hawks measure about 18 to 26 inches in size, with a wingspan starting from 43 to 57 inches. Men and women seem related, although females are barely bigger. Their eager eyesight and highly effective talons enable them to identify and seize prey effectively from excessive perches or hovering flights.

Purple-tailed Hawks are versatile hunters, feeding on small mammals similar to rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, in addition to birds and reptiles. They’re typically seen perched alongside highways, in open fields, or hovering over woodlands, scanning for motion under.

In Virginia, Purple-tailed Hawks are year-round residents all through the state. A enjoyable reality: their distinctive “kee-eeeee-arr” scream is broadly utilized in films to characterize any chook of prey, even when it’s not a Purple-tailed Hawk on display.

Purple-shouldered Hawk

The Purple-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with hanging black-and-white barring on its wings and tail, together with a reddish-orange chest and underparts. Their daring patterning makes them comparatively straightforward to establish, particularly when perched within the open or gliding by way of forested areas.

Adults measure round 16 to 24 inches in size, with a wingspan of 37 to 43 inches. They’ve a stocky construct, rounded wings, and a comparatively quick tail in comparison with different hawks. Each men and women share related plumage, though females are barely bigger.

Purple-shouldered Hawks favor moist woodlands, river bottoms, and swampy areas in Virginia. They hunt from low perches, preying on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and sometimes birds. They’re recognized for his or her loud, repeated “kee-ah” calls, which echo by way of forested habitats.

In Virginia, Purple-shouldered Hawks are largely everlasting residents however might present native actions in winter. Enjoyable reality: they’re among the many few hawks that nest near water, typically constructing their stick nests in tall timber over streams or swamps.

Cooper’s Hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium to small-sized hawk with a glossy, long-tailed silhouette and rounded wings. Adults have a bluish-gray again, reddish-barred underparts, and an extended tail with darkish bands, which aids in maneuverability by way of dense forests.

They measure 14 to twenty inches in size, with a wingspan of 24 to 39 inches. Females are bigger than males, a typical trait amongst hawks. Their lengthy tail and compact wings enable them to pursue agile birds by way of timber and suburban landscapes with outstanding velocity.

Cooper’s Hawks are specialised chook hunters, preying on songbirds, doves, and sometimes small mammals. They typically use stealth, swooping from perches or flying low alongside forest edges and residential areas to ambush prey.

In Virginia, Cooper’s Hawks are broadly distributed, typically inhabiting woodlands, parks, and even suburban backyards. Enjoyable reality: they’ve tailored exceptionally properly to city environments, making them one of many few raptors regularly seen close to human habitation.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk present in Virginia, notable for its compact physique, quick wings, and lengthy, slim tail with a squared tip. Its plumage consists of bluish-gray upperparts and orange-barred underparts in adults, with juveniles displaying brown streaking.

They measure 9 to 13 inches in size, with a wingspan of 17 to 22 inches. Their small measurement and quick, rounded wings give them glorious agility, enabling them to navigate dense forests in pursuit of prey.

Sharp-shinned Hawks primarily hunt small birds similar to sparrows, finches, and warblers. They typically use shock assaults, darting by way of foliage at excessive velocity to catch birds mid-flight. Often, they might take small mammals or bugs.

In Virginia, Sharp-shinned Hawks are present in forests and woodland edges, generally venturing into suburban areas throughout migration. Enjoyable reality: regardless of their small measurement, they’re fierce predators and are able to taking birds bigger than themselves with outstanding talent.

Broad-winged Hawk

The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with broad, rounded wings and a brief tail. Adults have brown upperparts, finely barred underparts, and hanging chestnut barring on the underwings. Throughout migration, they’re typically seen in massive flocks known as “kettles,” hovering excessive in thermals.

They measure 14 to 18 inches in size, with a wingspan of 34 to 39 inches. Men and women seem related, although females are barely bigger. Their compact physique and broad wings make them glorious gliders, conserving power throughout lengthy migratory flights.

Broad-winged Hawks feed on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and bugs, sometimes searching from perches inside forests or alongside forest edges. They’re much less more likely to hunt in open fields in comparison with different hawks.

In Virginia, Broad-winged Hawks breed in in depth forests and migrate in huge teams to Central and South America. Enjoyable reality: throughout migration, 1000’s of Broad-winged Hawks could be seen hovering collectively in thermals, creating one of the vital spectacular raptor spectacles in North America.

Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is a slender, medium-sized hawk recognized for its distinctive low-flight searching model. Adults have a grey (male) or brown (feminine) again, with a white rump patch that’s seen in flight. Their lengthy tail and slim wings give them a swish, buoyant look as they glide near the bottom.

They measure about 18 to twenty inches in size, with a wingspan of 40 to 46 inches. Northern Harriers are simply acknowledged by their owl-like facial disk, which helps them detect prey by sound in addition to sight. Their lengthy wings enable regular flight over open fields and marshes.

Northern Harriers primarily feed on small mammals like voles and mice, and sometimes birds and amphibians. They hunt by flying slowly simply above grasslands or marshes, utilizing their acute listening to and imaginative and prescient to find prey.

In Virginia, Northern Harriers are commonest in open fields, marshes, and grasslands. Enjoyable reality: they’re one of many few hawks that depend on each listening to and imaginative and prescient to hunt, making their searching model distinctive amongst raptors.

Tough-legged Hawk

The Tough-legged Hawk is a medium-sized winter customer in Virginia, notable for its thick feathering on the legs, which helps insulate towards chilly. Adults show a mottled brown and white plumage, with pale underparts and darkish patches on the wrists of the wings seen in flight.

They measure round 18 to 24 inches in size, with a wingspan of 52 to 60 inches. Their feathered legs and broad wings make them properly tailored to open, windy habitats, permitting environment friendly hovering whereas searching.

Tough-legged Hawks feed totally on small mammals similar to voles, lemmings, and mice, typically searching from low perches or hovering briefly over open fields. Their flight is buoyant, and so they can hover in place earlier than diving to seize prey.

In Virginia, Tough-legged Hawks are unusual winter guests, normally present in fields, pastures, and marshes. Enjoyable reality: they’re among the many few hawks able to hovering for prolonged durations, a habits that helps them spot prey in large open areas.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is a big, highly effective hawk with slate-gray upperparts, pale barred underparts, and hanging crimson or orange eyes. Its broad wings and lengthy tail enable agile maneuvering by way of dense forests, making it a formidable predator.

Adults measure 20 to 26 inches in size, with a wingspan of 39 to 47 inches. Each men and women share related plumage, although females are noticeably bigger. Their sturdy talons and sharp beaks are designed to seize medium-sized birds and mammals effectively.

Northern Goshawks primarily hunt squirrels, rabbits, and different birds, typically flying swiftly by way of wooded areas to ambush prey. They’re secretive and have a tendency to keep away from open habitats, preferring mature forests and rugged terrain.

In Virginia, Northern Goshawks are uncommon, largely inhabiting deep forests and mountainous areas. Enjoyable reality: they’re extremely territorial and might aggressively defend nests towards intruders, together with people and bigger raptors.

Swainson’s Hawk

Swainson’s Hawks are medium-sized raptors with lengthy wings, pale underparts, and a rusty-colored shoulder patch. They’re slender and constructed for long-distance migration, typically forming massive flocks throughout their journey south.

They measure 18 to 22 inches in size, with a wingspan of 45 to 52 inches. Their pointed wings and lengthy tail help in hovering for prolonged durations whereas looking for prey or throughout migration.

Swainson’s Hawks feed primarily on bugs and small mammals. In Virginia, sightings are uncommon and normally happen throughout fall migration, when people move by way of open fields and farmlands.

This species is extraordinarily uncommon in Virginia, making any commentary noteworthy for birdwatchers. Enjoyable reality: Swainson’s Hawks are recognized for his or her lengthy migratory journeys, touring 1000’s of miles to wintering grounds in South America.

Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous Hawk is a big, sturdy hawk with a hanging rusty-brown again and pale underparts. Adults have broad, rounded wings and an extended, square-tipped tail, giving them a commanding presence within the sky.

They measure 20 to 27 inches in size, with a wingspan of 52 to 56 inches. Their sturdy, heavy construct permits them to seize bigger prey, together with rabbits and floor squirrels, with highly effective talons.

Ferruginous Hawks are opportunistic hunters, typically scanning open plains and fields whereas hovering at reasonable heights. They depend on eager eyesight to find prey throughout large areas and should perch on fence posts or low hills whereas searching.

In Virginia, Ferruginous Hawks are extraordinarily uncommon winter guests, often noticed in open fields or agricultural areas. Enjoyable reality: they’re the most important hawk species native to North America’s western plains, making any jap sighting a outstanding occasion for chook lovers.

Finest Time and Locations to Spot Hawks in Virginia

The perfect time to watch hawks in Virginia depends upon the season and migration patterns. Many species, like Purple-tailed Hawks and Purple-shouldered Hawks, could be seen year-round, whereas others, similar to Tough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Swainson’s Hawks, and Ferruginous Hawks, are primarily winter guests or uncommon migrants. Fall migration, from late September to early October, is especially spectacular for recognizing Broad-winged Hawks, which journey in massive flocks known as “kettles.”

Hawks are most lively through the early morning and late afternoon, when they’re searching or hovering to thermals. Open fields, grasslands, wetlands, forest edges, and enormous woodland areas present the very best vantage factors. Migration watch websites, similar to mountain ridges and river valleys, additionally supply glorious alternatives to watch hawks in flight. By visiting these habitats throughout peak exercise durations, birdwatchers have the best possibilities of recognizing a wide range of hawk species throughout Virginia.

Enjoyable reality: Hawks typically return to the identical searching grounds repeatedly, so visiting the identical open fields or forest edges on consecutive days can enhance your possibilities of sightings.

FAQs About Hawks in Virginia

What’s the commonest hawk in Virginia?

The Purple-tailed Hawk is the commonest hawk in Virginia, simply acknowledged by its broad wings, massive physique, and distinctive reddish tail. It may be present in open fields, forests, and suburban areas year-round.

How can I establish a Purple-shouldered Hawk?

Purple-shouldered Hawks have medium-sized our bodies with hanging black-and-white barring on their wings and tail. They function reddish-orange underparts and like moist forests, swamps, and river bottoms.

What’s the main prey of Cooper’s Hawks?

Cooper’s Hawks primarily hunt small birds similar to songbirds and doves, however in addition they take small mammals. Their lengthy tails and rounded wings enable them to maneuver rapidly by way of forests and suburban areas.

How does the Sharp-shinned Hawk hunt?

Sharp-shinned Hawks are agile and small, specializing in searching small birds. They use stealth and velocity to dart by way of dense forests and woodland edges to seize prey mid-flight.

The place can Broad-winged Hawks be seen throughout migration?

Broad-winged Hawks migrate in massive flocks known as “kettles.” In Virginia, they are often seen hovering over forests and open areas throughout spring and fall migration.

What makes the Northern Harrier distinctive amongst hawks?

Northern Harriers hunt low over grasslands and marshes, typically gliding simply above the bottom. They’ve an extended tail, slender physique, and an owl-like facial disk to detect prey by sound and sight.

When do Tough-legged Hawks seem in Virginia?

Tough-legged Hawks are winter guests, arriving in Virginia through the colder months. They like open fields and grasslands and are distinguished by thick feathering on their legs and broad wings.

How uncommon is the Northern Goshawk in Virginia?

Northern Goshawks are very uncommon in Virginia and sometimes inhabit deep forests and mountainous areas. They’re massive, highly effective hawks that hunt birds and mammals with distinctive agility.

Are Swainson’s Hawks generally seen in Virginia?

Swainson’s Hawks are extraordinarily uncommon in Virginia and are normally solely seen throughout fall migration. They’re long-distance migratory hawks with pale underparts and rusty shoulder patches.

What’s notable concerning the Ferruginous Hawk?

Ferruginous Hawks are the most important hawks often seen in Virginia. They’re extraordinarily uncommon winter guests, with a rusty-brown again, broad wings, and a powerful construct for searching bigger prey like rabbits and floor squirrels.