Florida is home to a variety of wildlife, including 9 Hawks in Florida that are commonly spotted by bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of these fascinating birds of prey.
We will discuss the Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, and the Crested Caracara.
Top 9 Most Common Hawks In Florida
1: Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk known for its striking reddish-brown shoulders.
These hawks prefer woodland habitats, particularly near wetlands and swamps.
They feed primarily on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
Red-shouldered Hawks are often seen perched on tree branches, scanning the ground for prey.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buteo lineatus |
| Habitat | Forests, wetlands, and riparian areas |
| Range | Found throughout Florida, as well as parts of the southeastern United States |
| Size | Adults range from 17-24 inches in length and have a wingspan of 37-43 inches |
| Diet | Primarily preys on small mammals such as rodents, as well as birds, reptiles, and amphibians |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from February to July, with the female laying 2-4 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations in some areas have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | The Red-shouldered Hawk is one of the most vocal raptors, and its distinctive “kee-yer” call is a common sound in Florida’s forests and wetlands. |
Their distinctive call, a series of high-pitched whistles, can be heard echoing through the forests.
2: Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawks are agile predators known for their skill in navigating dense forests.
These medium-sized hawks have a slate gray back and reddish-barred underparts.
Their primary prey includes small birds, which they often capture mid-flight.
Cooper’s Hawks are secretive and can be difficult to spot.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Accipiter cooperii |
| Habitat | Found in a variety of forest types, from deciduous to coniferous, as well as urban and suburban areas |
| Range | Found throughout much of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico |
| Size | Adults range from 14-20 inches in length and have a wingspan of 24-36 inches |
| Diet | Primarily preys on birds, but also consumes small mammals, reptiles, and insects |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from March to August, with the female laying 2-5 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | Cooper’s Hawks are known for their agility and speed, and are often referred to as “chicken hawks” due to their ability to catch domestic poultry. However, they primarily prey on wild birds such as doves and pigeons. |
These hawks are year-round residents in Florida, but their population increases during the winter months when migratory individuals arrive.
3: Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile raptor that specializes in hunting small birds.
Its slender body and short, rounded wings make it well-adapted for navigating through dense forests.
These hawks have a bluish-gray back and a finely streaked, white underbelly.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are elusive and often difficult to observe in the wild.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Accipiter striatus |
| Habitat | Found in a variety of forest types, as well as suburban and urban areas |
| Range | Breeds throughout North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and winters in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America |
| Size | Adults range from 9-14 inches in length and have a wingspan of 16-22 inches |
| Diet | Primarily preys on birds, but also consumes small mammals and insects |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from April to July, with the female laying 3-8 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest of the North American accipiters (hawks in the genus Accipiter), and is sometimes referred to as a “sparrow hawk” due to its small size and hunting behavior. |
However, they may be spotted at bird feeders, where they frequently prey on unsuspecting songbirds.
4: Broad-winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk is a small to medium-sized hawk known for its long migrations.
During the breeding season, these hawks can be found in wooded areas throughout the eastern United States, including Florida.
They have a dark brown back and a white underbelly with reddish-brown barring.
Broad-winged Hawks feed on small mammals, amphibians, and insects.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buteo platypterus |
| Habitat | Found in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as near wetlands and other bodies of water |
| Range | Breeds in eastern North America, and winters in Central and South America |
| Size | Adults range from 13-17 inches in length and have a wingspan of 32-39 inches |
| Diet | Primarily preys on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from April to July, with the female laying 2-3 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | The Broad-winged Hawk is known for its distinctive “kee-lee” call, which can often be heard during its migratory flights in large flocks called “kettles.” In Florida, these migrations typically occur in September and October. |
They are most easily observed during migration, when large numbers of them can be seen soaring on thermals.
5: Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large, widespread raptor known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail.
These hawks are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban environments.
They feed on a diverse diet, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Red-tailed Hawks are frequently observed soaring high in the sky, searching for prey with their keen eyesight.
Their distinctive call, a raspy scream, is often heard in nature documentaries and films.
6: Osprey
The Osprey is a unique bird of prey that is highly specialized in hunting fish.
These large raptors have a white head, dark brown back, and a white underbelly.
Their distinctive appearance includes a dark eye stripe and a wingspan that can exceed six feet.
Ospreys are found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
They plunge feet-first into the water to snatch fish, which they then carry back to their nests.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pandion haliaetus |
| Habitat | Found near water, including coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and ponds |
| Range | Found throughout Florida, as well as much of North America, Europe, and Asia |
| Size | Adults range from 21-24 inches in length and have a wingspan of 4.5-6 feet |
| Diet | Primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by diving into the water feet-first |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from December to March in Florida, with the female laying 2-4 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and contamination of waterways |
| Interesting Fact | The Osprey is sometimes referred to as the “fish hawk” or “sea hawk” due to its unique hunting behavior and diet. Its feet are specially adapted to grip slippery fish, and it is one of the only raptors that can fully submerge itself in water to catch its prey. |
Ospreys are a common sight in Florida, where they can often be seen perched on poles or trees along the water’s edge.
7: Northern harrier
The Northern Harrier is a medium-sized hawk known for its long wings and low, graceful flight.
These hawks have a brown back, a white rump, and a streaked, pale underbelly.
Male harriers have a gray head and wings, while females are more uniformly brown.
Northern Harriers inhabit open habitats, such as marshes and grasslands.
They primarily feed on small mammals and birds, which they capture by flying low to the ground and using their keen hearing to detect prey.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Circus hudsonius |
| Habitat | Found in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields |
| Range | Found throughout much of North America, including Florida |
| Size | Adults range from 18-20 inches in length and have a wingspan of 3.5-4 feet |
| Diet | Primarily preys on small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, as well as birds and reptiles |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from March to August, with the female laying 4-5 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | The Northern Harrier is the only North American raptor with facial disks, which it uses to help locate prey. Its hunting behavior is also distinctive, with a low, cruising flight over open areas as it searches for food. |
In Florida, Northern Harriers can be seen during the winter months, as they migrate south to escape the colder temperatures in their breeding range.
8: American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America and is known for its colorful plumage.
These small raptors have a blue-gray head and wings, a reddish-brown back, and a white underbelly with black spotting.
Males have a more vibrant coloration, while females are more muted.
American Kestrels are often seen perched on wires or fence posts in open habitats, such as grasslands and agricultural fields.
They feed on insects, small mammals, and occasionally small birds.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Falco sparverius |
| Habitat | Found in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields |
| Range | Found throughout much of North America, including Florida |
| Size | Adults range from 8-12 inches in length and have a wingspan of 20-24 inches |
| Diet | Primarily preys on insects, but also consumes small mammals and birds |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from February to July, with the female laying 3-7 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation |
| Interesting Fact | The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon and is sometimes referred to as a “sparrow hawk” due to its small size and hunting behavior. Its striking plumage and distinctive hunting style make it a popular bird for falconry. |
In Florida, American Kestrels can be observed year-round, but their numbers increase during the winter months when individuals from the northern part of their range migrate south.
9: Crested Caracara
The Crested Caracara is a unique raptor that resembles both a hawk and a vulture.
These large birds have a black cap, a white neck, and a dark brown body with white patches on the wings.
Their facial skin is reddish-orange, and they have a distinctive crest on the top of their head.
Crested Caracaras are found in open habitats, such as grasslands and past ures.
They feed on a variety of prey, including carrion, small mammals, and reptiles.
These opportunistic scavengers are often seen walking on the ground or perched on fence posts, scanning the landscape for a meal.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caracara cheriway |
| Habitat | Found in open habitats such as prairies, savannas, and agricultural fields, as well as near wetlands and waterways |
| Range | Found throughout much of Central and South America, as well as southern Florida and parts of the southwestern United States |
| Size | Adults range from 19-23 inches in length and have a wingspan of 4.5-5 feet |
| Diet | Feeds on a variety of prey, including carrion, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects |
| Breeding | Breeding season typically occurs from January to June in Florida, with the female laying 2-4 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but populations have been impacted by habitat loss and persecution |
| Interesting Fact | The Crested Caracara is sometimes referred to as the “Mexican eagle” and is a symbol of Mexico’s national heritage. Its distinctive appearance and behavior have also made it a popular bird for falconry. |
In Florida, Crested Caracaras are most commonly found in the central and southern parts of the state.
Their range has been expanding in recent years, and they are now occasionally observed in more northern areas.
Protecting Florida’s Hawks: Conservation Efforts and Challenges
As we’ve explored the Hawks in Florida, it’s important to recognize the conservation challenges these birds of prey face.
Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and human disturbance all pose threats to their populations.
Fortunately, several organizations and initiatives are working to protect Florida’s raptors. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Audubon Society both play crucial roles in monitoring hawk populations and implementing conservation strategies.
In addition, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can contribute to hawk conservation by reporting sightings and participating in citizen science programs.
Such as the Christmas Bird Count and the Hawk Migration Association of North America’s (HMANA) HawkWatch program.
By raising awareness about these magnificent birds of prey and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at Hawks in Florida and appreciate their vital role in the ecosystem.
How Frequently Hawks are Spotted in Florida in Summer and Winter?
The frequency of hawks spotted in Florida can vary depending on the season.
In the summer months, it’s more common to see hawks that are resident or breed in Florida.
These include Red-tailed hawks, Red-shouldered hawks, and Ospreys.
In the winter months, some hawks that migrate to Florida to spend the winter can be seen, such as Broad-winged hawks, Sharp-shinned hawks, and Cooper’s hawks.
FAQs About Hawks In Florida:
How big is a Florida hawk?
Florida hawks vary in size depending on the species. The most common hawk in the region is the Red-shouldered Hawk, which has a wingspan of around 37 to 43 inches and a body length of 17 to 24 inches. The size difference between male and female hawks is usually minimal, with females being slightly larger.
What small hawks are found in Florida?
Small Hawks in Florida
Florida is home to several smaller hawk species, including the Sharp-shinned Hawk and the Cooper’s Hawk. The Sharp-shinned Hawk has a wingspan of 17 to 22 inches and a body length of 9 to 14 inches, while the Cooper’s Hawk has a wingspan of 27 to 36 inches and a body length of 14 to 20 inches.
Does Florida have hawks or falcons?
Florida is home to both hawks and falcons. Some of the hawk species found in Florida include the Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Falcon species in Florida include the American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, and the Merlin.
What is the most common bird of prey in Florida?
The most common bird of prey in Florida is the Red-shouldered Hawk. This medium-sized hawk is found throughout the state and is easily recognizable by its reddish-brown shoulders and dark bands on its tail. The Red-shouldered Hawk can be found in various habitats such as forests, swamps, and wetlands, and is known for its distinct, loud call.
What is the largest hawk in Florida?
The largest hawk in Florida is the Red-tailed Hawk. It has a wingspan of 45 to 52 inches and a body length of 18 to 26 inches. This hawk is characterized by its red tail, which is visible in adult birds, and its broad wings. The Red-tailed Hawk can be found in various habitats throughout Florida, including open fields, forests, and even urban areas.
