13 Hawks In North Carolina (With Pictures & Locations)

North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes, is also home to an impressive array of wildlife. Among the most captivating creatures are the hawks that grace our skies, each species unique in its habits and characteristics. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various types of hawks that can be found in North Carolina, from the majestic Red-tailed Hawk to the elusive Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Hawks In North Carolina

1. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Sharp-shinned Hawk is a fascinating bird of prey that calls North Carolina its home. Sharp-shinned Hawks are the second smallest members of the Accipiter genus in North America, but don’t let their size fool you. They are agile hunters, known for their swift flight and keen hunting skills.

Sharp-shinned Hawks are characterized by their slate-gray upper bodies and barred, pale underparts. Their wings are short and rounded, perfect for maneuvering through dense forests in pursuit of their prey. These hawks primarily feed on small birds, which they often catch in mid-air after a thrilling chase.

2. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Cooper’s Hawk is Slightly larger than the Sharp-shinned Hawk, the Cooper’s Hawk is a force to be reckoned with in the avian world. These hawks are renowned for their skill in hunting and their distinctive appearance. Cooper’s Hawks have a slate-gray back and a pale underside with fine, reddish barring.

One of their most distinguishing features is their long, rounded tails with broad bands. These hawks are agile fliers, capable of navigating through dense woodlands to catch their prey, which primarily consists of small to medium-sized birds. Cooper’s Hawks are also known to visit backyards, especially those with bird feeders.

3. Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)

Common Black Hawk is a unique bird of prey that can occasionally be spotted in North Carolina. These hawks are characterized by their almost entirely black plumage, with only a few white markings on their tail. Common Black Hawks are medium-sized raptors, with a wingspan that can reach up to 4.5 feet.

They are known for their slow, soaring flight, often flying low over the ground in search of their preferred prey, which includes small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These hawks prefer habitats near water, such as riverine forests or marshes, where they can find an abundance of food.

4. Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Harris’s Hawks are unique among North Carolina’s raptors for their social behavior. Unlike most raptors, Harris’s Hawks are known to hunt in groups, a behavior that has earned them the nickname “wolves of the sky.” Harris’s Hawks are medium-sized birds of prey, with a dark brown plumage contrasted by reddish-brown shoulders and thighs.

They have a distinctive white band at the base of their tail, making them easily identifiable. These hawks primarily feed on small mammals and birds, and their cooperative hunting strategy allows them to take down larger prey. Their social behavior extends to their nesting habits, with multiple birds often sharing a single nest.

5. White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)

White-tailed Hawk is a striking bird of prey that can occasionally be seen in the skies of North Carolina. These hawks are characterized by their contrasting coloration, with a dark gray upper body and a white tail and underparts. White-tailed Hawks are medium to large raptors, with a wingspan that can reach up to 4.5 feet.

They are known for their soaring flight, often seen circling high in the sky as they scan the ground for their prey, which includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These hawks prefer open habitats, such as grasslands and fields, where they can easily spot their prey from the air.

6. Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus)

The Gray Hawk, or Buteo plagiatus, is a small raptor that can be found in North Carolina. These hawks are known for their gray plumage, which gives them their name, and a banded tail. Gray Hawks are agile fliers, capable of maneuvering through dense forests in pursuit of their prey,

which primarily consists of small mammals and birds. They are also known to eat insects and reptiles, making them versatile hunters. These hawks prefer habitats with a mix of open areas and woodlands, where they can hunt and nest.

7. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Red-shouldered Hawks are easily identifiable by their reddish-brown shoulders, from which they get their name, and their banded tail. Red-shouldered Hawks are medium-sized raptors, known for their loud, distinctive call that can often be heard before the bird is seen.

They primarily feed on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, which they catch with their powerful talons. These hawks prefer wooded habitats near water, where they can find an abundance of food. They are also known to adapt well to suburban areas, making them a common sight in backyards.

8. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

Broad-winged Hawk is a small but mighty bird of prey that can be found in North Carolina. These hawks are known for their broad wings and short tails, which give them their name, and their distinctive, high-pitched whistle.

Broad-winged Hawks are agile fliers, capable of maneuvering through dense forests in pursuit of their prey, which primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also known to eat amphibians and reptiles, showcasing their versatility as hunters.

These hawks prefer forested habitats, where they can nest and hunt. They are particularly known for their spectacular migratory flights, where thousands of hawks can be seen soaring together in the sky.

9. Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)

Short-tailed Hawk is a unique bird of prey that can occasionally be spotted in North Carolina. These hawks are characterized by their short tails and long, broad wings. Short-tailed Hawks are agile fliers, known for their soaring flight as they scan the ground for their prey,

which includes small mammals and birds. They are also known to eat insects, making them versatile hunters. These hawks prefer habitats with a mix of open areas and forests, where they can hunt and nest.

10. Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Swainson’s hawks are known for their long, pointed wings and their distinctive flight pattern, which often includes soaring in wide circles. Swainson’s Hawks are versatile hunters, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also known to eat reptiles and amphibians, showcasing their adaptability as hunters.

These hawks prefer open habitats, such as grasslands and fields, where they can easily spot their prey from the air. They are also known for their impressive migratory flights, traveling thousands of miles each year from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in South America.

11. Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)

The Zone-tailed Hawk, known scientifically as Buteo albonotatus, is a unique bird of prey that can occasionally be spotted in North Carolina. These hawks are characterized by their black plumage and distinctive white bands on their tail, which give them their name. Zone-tailed Hawks are agile fliers,

known for their soaring flight as they scan the ground for their prey, which includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also known to eat insects, showcasing their versatility as hunters. These hawks prefer habitats with a mix of open areas and forests, where they can hunt and nest.

12. Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)

The Rough-legged Hawk, or Buteo lagopus, is a large bird of prey that can be found in North Carolina, especially during the winter months. These hawks are known for their feathered legs, which give them their name, and their distinctive flight pattern, which often includes hovering in the air.

Rough-legged Hawks are versatile hunters, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also known to eat carrion, showcasing their adaptability as hunters. These hawks prefer open habitats, such as grasslands and fields, where they can easily spot their prey from the air.

13. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

These hawks are a common sight in the skies of North Carolina, known for their reddish-brown tail, from which they get their name. Red-tailed Hawks are large raptors, known for their broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail. They primarily feed on small mammals, which they catch with their powerful talons.

These hawks prefer a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts to fields, making them one of the most widespread hawks in North America. They are also known to adapt well to suburban and urban areas, making them a common sight in backyards.

Popular Hawk Spotting Places In North Carolina

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is a prime location for hawk spotting. This area is known for its diverse bird population, thanks to its unique coastal habitat. The vast expanses of beach, marsh, and woodland provide ample hunting grounds for hawks. Here, you might spot Red-tailed Hawks soaring above the dunes or Sharp-shinned Hawks darting through the maritime forests.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, located in East Lake, is another excellent place for hawk spotting in North Carolina. This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including a diverse array of bird species. The vast wetlands and forests provide ideal hunting grounds for hawks like the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Broad-winged Hawk.

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest, located in the Appalachian Mountains, is a haven for birdwatchers. The forest’s diverse habitats, ranging from hardwood forests to highland meadows, attract a variety of hawk species. Here, you might spot a Cooper’s Hawk soaring above the treetops or a Rough-legged Hawk hunting in the open meadows.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, located near Apex, is a popular spot for birdwatching. The park’s large lake and surrounding forests provide an ideal habitat for hawks. Here, you might spot a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above the water or a Bald Eagle perched in a tall pine tree. The park also hosts an annual “Eagle Count” in the winter, providing a unique opportunity to spot these magnificent birds of prey.

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park, located in the Sauratown Mountains, offers stunning views and a variety of wildlife, including hawks. The park’s rocky cliffs and dense forests provide an ideal habitat for hawks like the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Broad-winged Hawk. The park’s extensive trail system offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” is not just a haven for motorists but also for birdwatchers. The parkway’s diverse habitats, ranging from hardwood forests to highland meadows, attract a variety of hawk species. Here, you might spot a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above the treetops or a Broad-winged Hawk hunting in the open meadows.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the Appalachian Mountains, is a hotspot for birdwatching. The park’s diverse habitats, from lowland forests to highland meadows, are home to a variety of hawk species. Here, you might spot a Cooper’s Hawk soaring above the treetops or a Sharp-shinned Hawk darting through the forests.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Outer Banks, is a prime location for birdwatching. The refuge’s unique coastal habitat, which includes marshes, ponds, and beaches, attracts a variety of bird species, including hawks. Here, you might spot a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above the marshes or a Northern Harrier hunting along the beach.

Uwharrie National Forest

Uwharrie National Forest, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, offers a variety of habitats for hawks. The forest’s mix of pine and hardwood forests, along with its rivers and lakes, provide ample hunting grounds for hawks. Here, you might spot a Red-shouldered Hawk soaring above the treetops or a Broad-winged Hawk hunting in the open meadows.

Eno River State Park

Eno River State Park, located near Durham, is a popular spot for birdwatching. The park’s river and surrounding forests provide an ideal habitat for hawks. Here, you might spot a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above the water or a Cooper’s Hawk perched in a tall tree. The park’s extensive trail system offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

F.A.Q

Q. What is the most common hawk in NC?

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in North Carolina. Known for its reddish-brown tail, this bird of prey can be found in a variety of habitats across the state, from forests to open fields. Its adaptability to different environments and its broad diet make it a prevalent sight in North Carolina’s skies.

Q. What do hawks eat in NC?

Hawks in North Carolina have a varied diet that primarily consists of small mammals like mice, squirrels, and rabbits. They also eat birds, reptiles, and insects. The specific diet often depends on the species of hawk and the available prey in their habitat. For instance, Red-tailed Hawks are known to eat a lot of rodents, while Sharp-shinned Hawks often feed on smaller birds.

Q. What is the smallest hawk in North Carolina?

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in North Carolina. Despite its small size, this bird is a formidable hunter, known for its agility and speed. It primarily feeds on small birds, which it often catches in mid-air after a thrilling chase through the trees.

Q. What is the largest bird in North Carolina?

The largest bird in North Carolina is the Bald Eagle. This bird of prey, which is also the national bird of the United States, can have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. Known for their white heads and tails, Bald Eagles are a majestic sight in the skies of North Carolina.

Q. Are hawks protected in NC?

Yes, hawks are protected in North Carolina under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This federal law makes it illegal to hunt, capture, kill, or sell hawks, along with many other bird species. The law also protects the birds’ nests and eggs. This protection helps ensure the survival of these magnificent birds of prey for future generations to enjoy.