12 Hawks in Kentucky (With Pictures and Identification)

Kentucky presents a various habitat that draws all kinds of raptors all year long. Amongst these spectacular birds of prey, hawks in Kentucky are among the mostly noticed and engaging species. Whether or not hovering excessive above open fields or darting swiftly by wooded areas, these hawks play a significant position within the state’s ecosystems.

For birdwatchers and nature fanatics, figuring out hawks in Kentucky will be each thrilling and difficult because of the number of species and their seasonal actions. This information highlights 12 of probably the most notable hawks you’re prone to encounter within the area, full with detailed descriptions and vivid footage that will help you acknowledge every one.

From the enduring Crimson-tailed Hawk to the elusive Northern Goshawk, understanding the options and behaviors of those raptors will improve your birdwatching expertise. Dive in to find the wealthy range of hawks in Kentucky and discover ways to spot them of their pure habitats.

Widespread Hawks Present in Kentucky

Crimson-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The Crimson-tailed Hawk is without doubt one of the most typical and simply recognizable hawks in Kentucky. It’s recognized for its distinctive reddish-brown tail, which is commonly seen when the hen is hovering or perched. Its broad, rounded wings and stocky physique give it a strong and commanding look. Adults usually have a pale underside with a darkish stomach band.

This hawk is kind of giant, with a wingspan starting from 45 to 52 inches and a physique size between 18 and 26 inches. Females are typically barely bigger than males, which is frequent amongst birds of prey. Their robust talons and hooked beak make them efficient hunters.

Crimson-tailed Hawks are versatile predators, usually seen perched on roadside poles or hovering excessive above open fields, forests, and farmlands. Their weight-reduction plan primarily consists of small mammals corresponding to rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, however they may even hunt birds and reptiles when out there.

In Kentucky, the Crimson-tailed Hawk is widespread all through the state, inhabiting a wide range of environments together with woodlands, grasslands, and concrete areas. They’re year-round residents however could also be extra noticeable throughout migration seasons when juveniles disperse.

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk generally present in Kentucky’s wooded areas. It has a modern, agile physique with rounded wings and a protracted tail that aids in maneuvering by dense forests. Its blue-gray again contrasts with reddish barring on the chest and underparts, serving to to tell apart it from different hawks.

This hawk measures about 14 to twenty inches in size with a wingspan of 24 to 35 inches. Females are usually bigger and bulkier than males. The sharp, curved beak and robust talons are diversifications for catching and killing prey effectively.

Cooper’s Hawks are recognized for his or her fast, direct flight and their talent in chasing smaller birds by thick bushes. They primarily hunt songbirds, which they ambush utilizing stealth and velocity. They might additionally feed on small mammals often.

In Kentucky, Cooper’s Hawks thrive in deciduous and blended forests, suburban neighborhoods, and parks. They breed within the state and are usually current year-round. Their desire for wooded habitats makes them a well-known sight in lots of components of Kentucky.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk species present in Kentucky. It resembles the Cooper’s Hawk however is extra slender and has a shorter tail with a squared-off tip quite than a rounded one. The plumage features a darkish bluish-gray again and high quality reddish barring on the chest.

Sometimes, Sharp-shinned Hawks measure about 9 to 13 inches in size with a wingspan of 17 to 24 inches. Their small dimension and slim wings permit them to fly swiftly and with nice agility by dense forest vegetation, the place they hunt.

This species focuses on preying on small birds corresponding to sparrows and finches, usually capturing them in mid-flight or from dense cowl. Sharp-shinned Hawks are secretive and quick, making them difficult to watch within the wild.

In Kentucky, they like mature forests however are additionally noticed throughout migration by a wide range of habitats. They’re discovered statewide, principally throughout spring and fall migration, with some remaining to breed in wooded areas.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

The Broad-winged Hawk is a smaller member of the Buteo household that passes by Kentucky in giant migratory flocks every fall. It’s characterised by broad, rounded wings and a brief, banded tail with distinctive white and darkish stripes. Its total coloration is brown above with pale underparts marked by high quality streaks.

These hawks measure round 13 to 17 inches in size with a wingspan of roughly 31 to 39 inches. They’re noticeably smaller than Crimson-tailed Hawks however share an identical physique form. Their compact dimension and wing form permit them to soar effectively throughout lengthy migrations.

Broad-winged Hawks feed primarily on small mammals, amphibians, and bugs, searching principally from perches or whereas hovering. Their migration is legendary for forming giant kettles, or teams, circling on thermal updrafts as they journey south.

In Kentucky, Broad-winged Hawks are mostly seen throughout migration durations in spring and fall. They breed in northern forests however use Kentucky’s forests and river valleys as necessary stopover websites on their lengthy journeys to and from their wintering grounds in Central and South America.

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)

The Northern Harrier is a slender hawk usually seen gliding low over fields, marshes, and wetlands in Kentucky. It’s simply acknowledged by its white rump patch and its distinctive owl-like facial disk, which helps it find prey by sound in addition to sight. This distinctive characteristic units it aside from most different hawks within the area.

Northern Harriers measure about 18 to 22 inches in size, with a wingspan between 40 and 46 inches. Males have grayish plumage, whereas females and juveniles seem brown. Their lengthy wings and tail give them a swish, buoyant flight sample near the bottom.

These hawks primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and infrequently amphibians, usually flying slowly and low whereas trying to find prey. Their weight-reduction plan contains voles, mice, and small songbirds, which they shock by silently gliding by dense vegetation.

In Kentucky, Northern Harriers favor open habitats corresponding to marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They breed in northern areas however go to Kentucky primarily throughout migration and winter months, making seasonal appearances in appropriate wetland areas.

Crimson-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

The Crimson-shouldered Hawk is usually present in Kentucky’s wooded areas, particularly close to rivers, swamps, and different moist habitats. It’s simply identifiable by its reddish shoulders, black-and-white checkered wings, and barred tail. This hawk’s loud, rolling scream is a well-known sound in forested landscapes.

This medium-sized hawk usually measures 16 to 22 inches in size with a wingspan of 37 to 43 inches. Each sexes have comparable plumage, that includes rusty purple coloring on the chest and shoulders contrasted with black and white wing patterns.

Crimson-shouldered Hawks hunt primarily small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, usually from a perch or by hovering above the forest cover. They’re territorial and will be seen calling steadily throughout breeding season to defend their nesting space.

In Kentucky, they like mature woodlands close to water sources, corresponding to river bottoms and swampy areas. They’re year-round residents, extensively distributed all through the state in appropriate habitats.

Black Hawk (Widespread Black Hawk – Buteogallus anthracinus)

The Widespread Black Hawk is a big, dark-colored hawk not often seen in Kentucky, principally throughout migration or as a vagrant from southern areas. Its total black plumage and broad wings give it a placing silhouette. This species is extra frequent within the southwestern and southern United States.

Measuring about 18 to 22 inches in size with a wingspan of roughly 44 to 47 inches, the Black Hawk has broad wings and a brief tail. It’s a highly effective hen, with robust talons tailored for catching prey in moist or riparian habitats.

Widespread Black Hawks feed totally on reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, usually searching close to rivers and streams. They’re often seen hovering or perched in tall bushes near water, counting on their eager eyesight to identify prey.

Although uncommon in Kentucky, they’ve been often recorded throughout spring or fall migration. When noticed, sightings usually happen close to river valleys or moist woodlands the place appropriate habitat exists.

Tough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)

The Tough-legged Hawk is a winter customer to Kentucky, migrating south from its Arctic breeding grounds. It’s recognized for its feathered legs—an adaptation to chilly climates—and its distinctive stomach and wing patterns that embody darkish patches on the underwings and tail bands.

This medium to giant hawk measures 19 to 26 inches lengthy with a wingspan of 52 to 60 inches. Its plumage varies from mild morphs with creamy white underparts to darker morphs, however all have the attribute feathered legs and a considerably cumbersome look.

Tough-legged Hawks hunt primarily in open fields, marshes, and prairies, feeding on rodents and small mammals. They usually hover whereas searching or soar slowly whereas scanning the bottom for prey.

In Kentucky, they’re usually discovered in the course of the colder months in open agricultural areas and wetlands. Their winter presence is sporadic however dependable, particularly in northern components of the state the place open habitats present good searching grounds.

Much less Widespread or Migratory Hawk Species

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Swainson’s Hawk primarily inhabits the western areas of the USA, favoring open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas. It’s a medium-sized hawk with lengthy, slim wings and a comparatively slim physique. Its plumage varies however usually features a darkish stomach band and a pale face with a particular darkish “moustache” mark.

This hawk measures about 18 to 22 inches in size, with a wingspan starting from 47 to 56 inches. The lengthy wings and streamlined construct make it an environment friendly hovering hunter, usually seen gliding excessive within the sky throughout migration.

Swainson’s Hawks feed primarily on bugs and small mammals, significantly grasshoppers and rodents. Throughout migration, they journey in giant flocks, overlaying lengthy distances from their breeding grounds within the west to wintering areas in Central and South America.

In Kentucky, Swainson’s Hawk is a uncommon customer, principally showing as an unintended migrant throughout spring and fall. Sightings are unusual however notable as a consequence of their western origin and distinctive migration conduct.

Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)

The Zone-tailed Hawk is a uncommon and elusive species principally discovered within the southern United States and Mexico. It’s a medium-sized hawk with darkish plumage and a particular sample on its tail, which options slim white bands or “zones” that give the hen its title.

This hawk usually measures 18 to 22 inches lengthy with a wingspan of about 44 to 50 inches. Its darkish coloration and hovering flight sample usually lead it to be mistaken for a turkey vulture, which it mimics to method prey extra simply.

Zone-tailed Hawks hunt small mammals, reptiles, and birds, usually utilizing stealth and shock. They like rugged terrain and wooded canyons however might also be seen hovering over open landscapes of their vary.

In Kentucky, Zone-tailed Hawks are extraordinarily uncommon and customarily solely noticed throughout migration when people stray removed from their ordinary southern habitats. Such sightings are notable and entice birdwatchers because of the species’ shortage within the area.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

The Golden Eagle will not be technically a hawk however is a big and highly effective hen of prey belonging to the eagle household. It’s one in every of North America’s largest raptors, recognized for its spectacular wingspan and placing golden-brown plumage on the again of the pinnacle and neck.

Grownup Golden Eagles have a wingspan starting from 71 to 90 inches and a physique size of about 26 to 40 inches. Their broad wings and robust construct permit them to hunt giant mammals and birds, usually hovering at excessive altitudes for prolonged durations.

Golden Eagles primarily feed on mammals corresponding to rabbits, squirrels, and even bigger prey like foxes. They’re solitary hunters and use their eager eyesight and highly effective talons to seize prey on the bottom or in flight.

In Kentucky, Golden Eagles are very uncommon and principally seem in the course of the winter months or migration. When noticed, they are typically present in open fields or mountainous areas the place searching alternatives are optimum.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

The Northern Goshawk is a big and sturdy hawk carefully associated to Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk. It has broad wings and a protracted tail, which allow agile flight by dense forests. Its plumage is especially slate grey above with high quality barring on the chest and underparts.

Sometimes, Northern Goshawks measure 20 to 26 inches in size with a wingspan between 39 and 47 inches. Females are notably bigger than males, exhibiting the frequent raptor dimension dimorphism. Their highly effective construct helps searching bigger birds and mammals.

These hawks are expert predators that inhabit mature, dense woodlands. They hunt birds and mammals by stealth and velocity, usually chasing prey by thick forest cowl. They’re recognized for his or her fierce territorial conduct.

In Kentucky, Northern Goshawks are unusual however could seem often, particularly in winter once they transfer south from their northern breeding grounds. Their sightings are usually linked to closely forested areas within the state.

Greatest Occasions and Locations to See Hawks in Kentucky

Kentucky presents glorious alternatives to watch a wide range of hawk species all year long, however sure occasions and places stand out for the most effective viewing experiences. The height interval for recognizing many hawks in Kentucky is in the course of the fall migration, usually from September to November. Throughout this time, giant numbers of Broad-winged Hawks and different migratory species go by the state, usually gathering in thermal updrafts and hovering collectively in spectacular kettles.

When it comes to places, open fields, farmlands, and river valleys present preferrred searching grounds and vantage factors for hawk watchers. The Kentucky River Palisades and the areas surrounding Lake Cumberland are recognized hotspots the place hawks, together with Crimson-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks, are steadily seen. Moreover, forest edges and wooded ridges all through the state function necessary habitats, particularly for species just like the Crimson-shouldered Hawk and Northern Goshawk.

For the most effective probability to see these raptors in motion, early mornings and late afternoons are optimum, when hawks are most energetic searching or migrating. Bringing binoculars and visiting well-known birding spots throughout migration seasons will significantly improve your probabilities of witnessing the gorgeous range of hawks in Kentucky.