Birds of Prey: Hawks

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most prevalent hawk in North America. It soars over the open country in search of its prey or perches in a tree at the edge of a field or meadow. With its sharp eyes peeled, it watches for the slightest movement signaling the presence of prey.

The Red-tailed Hawk

The Common Black Hawk usually lives in the lowland areas of Central and South America, but can be seen as far north as the Southwestern United States in the summer time. They are opportunistic predators and will feed on whatever comes in its line of vision, including snakes and other birds.

Unlike most hawks, the Red-shouldered Hawk hunts from a low-lying perch. They sit quietly, waiting and watching, until prey wanders into their line of sight. Once spotted, the prey doesn't have a prayer. The Red-shouldered Hawk swoops down and grabs his dinner.

The Red-shouldered Hawk

Due to the decrease in grasslands and prairies, the Ferruginous Hawk population is on the decline. It may end up on the endangered species list within the next year or two.

The Ferruginous Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is often confused with the Sharp-shinned Hawk. They have similar markings but the Sharp-shinned Hawk is smaller and has a squared tail. The Cooper's Hawk's tail is rounded. The tail and the size are the only truly distinctive features between the two.

The Cooper's Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is often confused with the Cooper's Hawk. Their coloring is similiar, but the Sharp-shinned Hawk is smaller in size and had a square tail.

The Swainson's Hawk can eat an average of a hundred grasshoppers a day giving it the nickname "Grasshopper Hawk."

Swainson's Hawk

The Broad-winged Hawk is rarely found west of the Rocky Mountains. They are frequently seen migrating in huge flocks with several hundred traveling together.