8 Species of Hawks in Indiana [Images + Ids]

Indiana is a state of diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and fertile farmland to dense forests and meandering rivers. And with its impressive array of natural habitats, it’s no wonder that the state is home to a rich variety of bird species, including the powerful and majestic hawks. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of hawks in Indiana, exploring the different species that can be found throughout the state, their unique characteristics, and the best birding locations to catch a glimpse of these incredible birds in action. So, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply curious about the natural world, read on to discover the captivating world of hawks in Indiana.

List of Species of Hawks in Indiana

Red-Tailed Hawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 18-26 inches, wingspan 45-52 inches

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a common resident in Indiana and can be found throughout the state all year long. 
Red-tailed Hawks have a recognizable short, broad red tail, as their name suggests. They have big, rounded wings and are huge. The majority of Red-tailed Hawks have a brown back and a light underside.
Since they circle slowly over vast areas in search of food including small animals, birds, and reptiles, they are also the most easily seen and are often seen from cars on the roads.
Red-tailed Hawks are still year-round residents of the US and Mexico, although they migrate south for the winter from Alaska, Canada, and the northern Great Plains.
They nest high on rock ledges, large trees, and sometimes on buildings and lay 2-3 pale, brown-spotted eggs.

Cooper’s Hawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
• Lifespan: 7-12 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 14-20 inches, wingspan 24-35 inches

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a year-round resident in Indiana, found in forests and wooded areas. 
The Cooper’s Hawk is larger, roughly the size of a crow, and has a striking resemblance to the Sharp-shinned Hawk in appearance. Given that they both have the same blue-gray back, red-orange breast, and black bands on the tail, it may be challenging to tell them apart.
Unlike the Sharp-shinned Hawk, they have a bigger head that extends far beyond the wings.
The majority of the US is still home to Cooper’s Hawks, although some of them move south for the winter all the way to Mexico and Honduras in the north of their range, which includes Canada.
Watch out for them at woodland edges, however, you may also find them at feeders in search of a quick meal.
They nest in big trees, often on top of an old nest of a large bird or cluster of mistletoe, and feed on medium-sized birds and small animals and lay 2 to 6 bluish-white to light blue eggs.

Northern Harrier:

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• Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
• Lifespan: 7 years (on average)
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 18-24 inches, wingspan 40-48 inches

The Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) is a winter visitor and breeding resident in Indiana, found in open habitats, including fields and marshes. 
Northern harriers are slim with long, wide wings. They often fly in a v-shape with the tips of their wings higher than their body. Males have a white rump patch and are grey above and white below, while females are brown.
Before traveling south for the winter to southern states, Mexico, and Central America, Northern Harriers breed in Alaska, Canada, the northern Great Plains, and the Northeast.
You may spot this long-tailed, slender hawk soaring low over marshes or grasslands.
The primary prey of northern harriers is small animals and birds. In thick vegetation like reeds, willows, or brushtails, they build their nests on the ground and 4–5 white eggs.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

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• Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
• Lifespan: 4-5 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 9-13 inches, wingspan 16-22 inches

The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a year-round resident in Indiana, found in wooded areas and forests. 
Sharp-shinned hawks have reddish-orange breasts and a blue-gray back. Their tails are covered with black bands.
The size of the females is one-third that of the males. They have tiny heads, short, rounded wings, and long, square-ended tails.
Sharp-shinned Hawks move south after breeding in Canada and certain northern states. These birds might spend the whole year in the Appalachians and Western Mountains.
While they are quite elusive, Sharp-shined Hawks can sometimes be observed flying through wide spaces at the margins of woodlands. They are incredibly swift and can move quickly through deep forests to capture their prey, which is mostly songbirds, as it flies.
Furthermore, Sharp-shined Hawks sometimes may be spotted grabbing small birds near feeders. They often prey on songbirds that are approximately a robin’s size.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk often builds its nests towards the tops of tall fir trees in areas with deep cover. With a circumference of 1-2 feet and a depth of 4-6 inches, the nest is large in size and they lay 3 to 8 speckled white or light blue eggs.

Broad-winged Hawk

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
• Lifespan: 4-5 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 13-17 inches, wingspan 31-34 inches

The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a rare visitor to Indiana, with occasional sightings during migration. 
The Broad-winged Hawk is a small, stocky bird that is between a crow and a goose in size. They have barred breasts, short, square tails, and reddish-brown heads.
Prior to migrating in huge numbers to Central and South America in a whirling flock known as a kettle, broad-winged hawks breed in the Eastern States and Canada. So, the autumn migration is often the greatest opportunity to watch them.
These hawks hunt from perches, often near water or wooded areas, and they prey on small animals, frogs, snakes, and even hatchling turtles.
The Broad-winged Hawk often lays two to three pale eggs in the nest of another species, such as a crow.

Swainson’s Hawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo swainsoni
• Lifespan: 5-7 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 18-22 inches, wingspan 47-56 inches

The Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a rare visitor to Indiana, with occasional sightings during migration.
Long-winged hawks with pointed wingtips, Swainson’s Hawks have short tails. They often have paler bellies, brown or red chests, and a back that is mottled brown or grey.
While flying, you can see the contrast between the white top wing and the black flight feathers on the bottom margins and tips of the wings
Before migrating to South America for the winter in huge flocks numbering in the thousands, Swainson’s Hawks may be seen throughout the summer in open territory in the West and over the Great Plains. They reproduce throughout the West from the Pacific to the Midwest and as far away as British Columbia and Alaska.
Since they travel great distances and are known for putting on magnificent displays with tens of thousands of birds throughout the day, May and September are the ideal months to watch these hawks.
Swainson’s Hawks search for rodents by perching on any high points, such as utility poles or fences, making them easier to notice. They may be seen on the ground in grasslands and fields, searching for insects if there are no high places accessible.
In places where burrowing owls are common, they may also eat them. Nevertheless, they are not picky eaters and will consume everything, including bats, lizards, mice, and rabbits as well as crickets and dragonflies.
Swainson’s Hawks use any trees close to fields, low mesquite shrubs, and power poles since there aren’t many places for them to nest in the open countryside. The nests, which are made up of several twigs and branches, may be up to two feet wide and one foot tall. Softer materials like dung, bark, wool and grass are used to line the nest’s interior.

Northern Goshawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
• Lifespan: 5-10 years
• Origin: Native to North America, found in parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• Size: Length 18-24 inches, wingspan 40-48 inches

The Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a rare visitor to Indiana, with occasional sightings during migration. 
The Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks’ larger and more aggressive cousin is the Northern Goshawk. They have a long tail, short, wide wings, and a white stripe covering their yellow eyes. They are generally grey in color and are residents of Alaska, Canada, and the rugged west. Throughout the winter, some juvenile birds may migrate to the Central States.
They are difficult to locate since they reside in vast woodlands and are wary of anybody who approaches their nests too closely.
Large tracts of predominantly coniferous or mixed woods are the habitat of northern goshawks. They typically consume medium-sized birds and small animals, keeping watch for prey from high perches.
The Northern Goshawk constructs up to eight nests and lays two to four bluish-white eggs in each one.

Red-Shouldered Hawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
• Lifespan: 4-8 years
• Origin: Native to North America, found in parts of the United States and Mexico
• Size: Length 17-24 inches, wingspan 37-43 inches

The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a year-round resident in Indiana, found in wooded areas and forests near rivers and streams. 
The black and white checkered wings and reddish banding on the breast give Red-shouldered Hawks their distinctive markings. They have a tail that is heavily banded and are medium-sized, falling in between crow and swan in size.
The eastern states are home to Red-shouldered Hawks, however, those in the Northeast may go further south for the winter. The West Coast is also home to these hawks.
They often sneak around a stream or pond close to moist woodlands and eat frogs, snakes, and animals.
Red-shouldered Hawks make their nests under a broad-leaved tree close to the water and lay 2 to 5 white or blue eggs.

Conclusion

Hawks are a fascinating and important part of Indiana’s ecosystem. With their impressive hunting skills and vital role in controlling rodent populations, they contribute significantly to the balance and health of local ecosystems. While some hawks are known to occasionally cause conflicts with humans, it is important to remember that they are a protected species and should be respected and admired from a safe distance. As human development continues to encroach on natural habitats, it is more important than ever to understand and appreciate the important role that these magnificent birds play in the environment. By learning more about hawks in Indiana, we can better appreciate and protect these important members of our natural world.

Reference: DNR, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “Hawks of Indiana.” https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3365.htm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What species of hawks can be found in Indiana?

There are several species of hawks that can be found in Indiana, including the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, and northern harrier.

When is the best time of year to spot hawks in Indiana?

The best time to spot hawks in Indiana is during their migration periods, which typically occur in the spring and fall. The peak migration time is usually in mid-September to early November.

Where are the best places to go birdwatching for hawks in Indiana? Some popular places to go birdwatching for hawks in Indiana include the Indiana Dunes State Park, Prophetstown State Park, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, and the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

What are some common characteristics of hawks found in Indiana?

Hawks found in Indiana are generally medium-sized birds with sharp talons and beaks, and broad wings for soaring and gliding. They have keen eyesight and are skilled hunters.

Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hawks in Indiana?

Yes, there are several conservation efforts in place to protect hawks in Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has established protected areas and implemented conservation practices to preserve habitat for hawks and other wildlife. Additionally, organizations such as the Indiana Audubon Society and the Indiana Raptor Center work to educate the public about hawks and their importance to the ecosystem, as well as provide rehabilitation and medical care to injured hawks.