8 Species Of Hawks In Maine [Images + Ids]

When it comes to birdwatching, Maine is a popular destination due to its diverse bird population. Among the many species of birds found in the state, hawks are a favorite for many bird enthusiasts. Maine is home to several species of hawks, and their graceful flight and sharp vision make them an impressive sight to behold. From the coastal areas to the mountains, hawks can be spotted throughout the state. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the hawks in Maine and where you can go to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds.

List of Hawks In Maine

• Red-tailed Hawk
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Northern Harrier
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Broad-winged Hawk
• Northern Goshawk
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Rough-legged Hawk

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 most often seen hawks in Arizona during the winter are Red-tailed Hawks.
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 Hawks are year-round inhabitants of Arizona, and during the winter when they move south from their nesting grounds in the north, it is easier to notice them.
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:

Image: Source

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

Only in the winter do Northern Harriers visit Arizona before departing for the mating season up north.
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

Image: Source

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

During the winter, Sharp-shinned Hawks may be seen in Arizona; they are most often seen in the state’s middle, close to Flagstaff, Tonto National Forest, and Coconino National Forest.
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

Broad-winged Hawks are regarded as an accidental species in Arizona, and records indicate that Salero Ranch in the year 2021 saw the first sighting of one there.
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.

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

In the last 10 years, Flagstaff, Kaibab National Forest, and Grand Canyon National Park have all reported seeing Northern Goshawks, an uncommon bird in Arizona.
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

In Arizona, red-shouldered hawks are regarded as an accidental species, although you may see them in cities like Phoenix and Tucson.
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.

Rough-legged Hawk

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
• Lifespan: 16-20 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 18-24 inches, wingspan 52-58 inches

In Arizona, rough-legged hawks are regarded as an accidental species, but in 2021, they were observed in Coconino National Forest.
The Rough-legged Hawks get their name from their feathery legs, which also keep them warm in the cold. These are huge hawks, around the size of a goose or a crow.
This mostly dark-drown species may be seen in both light and dark versions, with black spots on the belly, tails, and wing bends. Compared to other hawks, they have wide wings that are rather long and slender.
Before winter in the US, Rough-legged Hawks migrate to Alaska and northern Canada to breed. They are often seen perched on a pole or hovering over marshes and open fields.
The majority of the prey for rough-legged hawks comes from lemmings and voles. In places like West Virginia, tiny animals like voles, mice, ground squirrels, and others serve as winter prey. They often build their nests on a steep rock ledge and deposit three to five light bluish-white eggs.

Final Thoughts

Maine is home to a variety of hawk species, each playing an important ecological role in the state’s ecosystem. From the common Red-tailed Hawk to the rare Northern Goshawk, these birds of prey are vital for maintaining a healthy balance in the food chain and controlling rodent populations. While human activities continue to impact natural habitats, it is crucial that we take steps to protect and preserve the habitats that hawks and other wildlife depend on. By learning more about the different hawk species in Maine and taking action to protect their habitats, we can ensure that these magnificent birds continue to thrive in our state for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of hawks can be found in Maine?

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

When is the best time to spot hawks in Maine?

The best time to spot hawks in Maine is during their fall migration, which typically occurs from late August to early December.

Where are the best places to go birdwatching for hawks in Maine?

Some of the best places to go birdwatching for hawks in Maine include Bradbury Mountain State Park, Acadia National Park, and Mount Agamenticus.

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

Yes, there are several conservation efforts in place to protect hawks in Maine, including habitat preservation and restoration, monitoring of populations, and education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of these birds of prey.

What should I bring with me when birdwatching for hawks in Maine?

When birdwatching for hawks in Maine, it’s important to bring binoculars or a spotting scope, a field guide or birding app, appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain, and plenty of water and snacks.