Hawks In Georgia – With Pictures & Locations

Georgia, with its varied landscapes and climates, provides an ideal habitat for these magnificent creatures. From the Red-tailed Hawk, often seen perched on roadside poles, to the elusive Sharp-shinned Hawk, hiding in the dense forests, each species has its unique characteristics and behaviors. They are not just birds; they are symbols of strength, freedom, and majesty.

Types of Hawks In Georgia

1. Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk With its broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail, this hawk is easily recognizable, especially due to its distinctive reddish-brown tail from which it gets its name. They can thrive in diverse habitats, from open countryside to forest edges and even urban areas.

These hawks are often seen soaring in wide circles high over fields, slowly turning on their broad, rounded wings. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, but they are also known to prey on birds and reptiles. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Red-tailed Hawk is its hunting strategy.

2. Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk Named for its reddish-brown shoulder patches. These hawks prefer wooded habitats near water bodies, where they hunt for a variety of prey, including small mammals, amphibians, and even other birds.

They are known for their distinctive, piercing call, often heard before the bird is seen. Red-shouldered Hawks are also known for their strong pair bonds, with couples often seen perched close together. They are protective parents, fiercely defending their nests from potential threats.

3. Broad-winged Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk is a smaller hawk known for its spectacular migratory flocks. These hawks get their name from their broad wings, which are designed for long-distance flight. Broad-winged Hawks are forest dwellers, often found in deciduous woodlands and mixed forests.

They are secretive birds, often remaining well-hidden in the forest canopy. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and amphibians. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Broad-winged Hawk is its migration. Every fall, they embark on a long journey to Central and South America, often traveling in large flocks known as “kettles”.

4. Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk, a medium-sized hawk Named after the naturalist William Cooper, these hawks are known for their agility and speed. With their long tails and short, rounded wings, Cooper’s Hawks are perfectly designed for navigating through dense forests in pursuit of their prey.

These hawks are primarily bird hunters, with a diet that includes smaller birds like sparrows and starlings. They are known for their unique hunting style, often surprising their prey in mid-air after a swift, stealthy flight through the forest. Cooper’s Hawks are also known for their distinctive call, a loud, repetitive ‘cak-cak-cak’ sound that can often be heard in the woods.

5. Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk, the smallest hawk in North America. these hawks are fierce hunters, specializing in catching birds in flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks have a characteristic flight pattern, with several quick wingbeats followed by a glide.

They are often found in forests, where they use their agility and speed to navigate through trees in pursuit of their prey. These hawks are known for their secretive nature, often remaining well-hidden in the forest canopy. However, their presence can often be detected by the alarm calls of smaller birds.

6. Northern Harrier

Northern Harrier, also known as the Marsh Hawk, is a unique bird of prey found in Georgia. Unlike other hawks, Northern Harriers rely on their hearing as well as their vision to hunt, thanks to their owl-like facial discs that help direct sound to their ears.

Northern Harriers are often seen gliding low over open fields and marshes, with their wings held in a distinctive ‘V’ shape. They primarily feed on small mammals and birds, which they catch after a swift, surprise attack. These hawks are known for their distinctive courtship display, where the male performs a series of aerial acrobatics to impress the female.

7. Rough-legged Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk, a winter visitor to Georgia, is a large bird of prey named for its feathered legs, a feature that helps it withstand the cold temperatures of its Arctic breeding grounds. With its broad wings and buoyant flight, this hawk is a majestic sight in the winter skies.

Rough-legged Hawks are known for their unique hunting style. They often hover in the air, scanning the ground for prey before swooping down for the capture. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, particularly rodents. These hawks are also known for their distinctive plumage, with a variety of light and dark morphs.

8. Swainson’s Hawk

Swainson’s Hawk, a summer resident of Georgia, is a long-distance migrant known for its impressive journey from North America to South America. Named after the British naturalist William Swainson, these hawks are recognized by their long, pointed wings and light underbellies.

Swainson’s Hawks are primarily insect eaters, with a diet that includes grasshoppers and other large insects. They are often seen soaring in the sky in search of food, using their keen eyesight to spot potential prey. These hawks are known for their communal roosting during migration, often gathering in large numbers.

Popular Hotspots To Spot Hawks In Georgia

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, with its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, is a popular hotspot for hawk watching in Georgia. The park’s high elevation and open spaces provide excellent opportunities to spot a variety of hawks, including the Red-tailed Hawk and the Broad-winged Hawk.

Piedmont Park

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is a haven for urban wildlife, including several species of hawks. The park’s large trees provide perfect perches for hawks like the Cooper’s Hawk and the Red-shouldered Hawk.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, with its diverse ecosystems, is a great place to spot hawks in Georgia. The river attracts a variety of wildlife, including the Osprey, known for its spectacular fishing technique.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park, home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, is another excellent location for hawk watching. The park’s high vantage points offer great opportunities to observe hawks in flight. The Northern Harrier and the Sharp-shinned Hawk are among the species that can be spotted here.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, with its vast wetlands and diverse wildlife, is a prime location for bird watching. The refuge’s open waters and marshlands attract a variety of hawks, including the Marsh Hawk.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park, known for its iconic granite dome, is a popular destination for hawk watching. The park’s open spaces and high elevation provide excellent opportunities to spot hawks soaring in the sky. Species like the Red-tailed Hawk and the Broad-winged Hawk are often seen here.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, with its beautiful beaches and diverse habitats, is a great place to spot hawks in Georgia. The island’s coastal location attracts a variety of bird species, including the Osprey. The island’s trails offer beautiful views of the coast and the opportunity to spot these magnificent birds.

F.A.Q

What is the most common hawk in Georgia?

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in Georgia. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail, this bird of prey can be spotted in a variety of habitats across the state, from open countryside to forest edges and even urban areas.

What do hawks eat in Georgia?

Hawks in Georgia have a varied diet, primarily consisting of small mammals like mice, squirrels, and rabbits. They also prey on birds, reptiles, and insects. The availability of prey often depends on the habitat and the specific hunting skills of each hawk species.

What is the smallest hawk in Georgia?

The smallest hawk in Georgia is the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Despite its small size, this hawk is a fierce hunter, specializing in catching birds in flight. Its agility and speed, combined with its ability to navigate through dense forests, make it a formidable predator.

What is the largest bird in Georgia?

The largest bird in Georgia is the Bald Eagle, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7.5 feet. While not a hawk, this majestic bird of prey is a sight to behold. Known for its white head and tail, the Bald Eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom.

Are hawks protected in Georgia?

Yes, hawks are protected in Georgia under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This federal law makes it illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a bird or its eggs, including hawks. This protection helps ensure the survival and wellbeing of these magnificent birds of prey.

Best time to spot hawks in Georgia?

The best time to spot hawks in Georgia varies depending on the species. However, spring and fall migration periods often provide excellent opportunities to see a variety of hawks. During these times, hawks are on the move, and birdwatchers can spot species that are not typically seen in Georgia.