10 Species Of Hawks In Mississippi [Images + Ids]

Mississippi, the Magnolia State, is home to a diverse range of habitats, including forests, swamps, wetlands, and coastal plains. These varied landscapes create an ideal environment for many bird species, including the impressive hawks. These birds of prey are known for their sharp talons, keen eyesight, and fierce hunting skills, making them a thrilling sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the world of hawks in Mississippi, exploring the different types of hawks found in the state, their unique characteristics, and the best birding locations to observe them in action. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply curious about the natural world, join us on this exciting journey as we discover the captivating world of hawks in Mississippi.

List of Hawks In Mississippi

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

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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

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 wintering 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.

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

Most Swainson’s Hawk sightings in Arizona occur between April and mid-October.
Hawks having pointed wingtips, Swainson’s Hawks have short tails. Paler bellies, brown or red chests, and mottled brown or gray backs are common.
While flying, the white upper wing contrasts with the black flight feathers on the bottom margins and tips.
In the summer, Swainson’s Hawks may be observed in open land in the West and Great Plains before migrating to South America in thousands. They breed in the Pacific, Midwest, British Columbia, and Alaska.
These hawks fly far and put on spectacular shows with tens of thousands of birds throughout the day, so May and September are the best months to witness.
Swainson’s Hawks perch atop utility poles or fences to see vermin. If there are no high locations, they hunt meadows and farms for insects.
Where burrowing owls are common, they may devour them. These animals will eat everything, including bats, lizards, mice, rabbits, bugs, and dragonflies.
Since there are few rural nesting sites, Swainson’s Hawks choose low mesquite bushes, power poles, and trees near fields. Nests of twigs and branches may be two feet broad and one foot tall. Softer materials like dung, bark, wool, and grass line the nest.

Ferruginous Hawk:

Image: Source

• Scientific name: Buteo regalis
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Origin: Native to North America
• Size: Length 22-27 inches, wingspan 53-56 inches

While they are extremely uncommon in Arizona, ferruginous hawks may sometimes be seen in the state’s southern regions in the winter.
Ferruginous hawks are the biggest hawks in America. They have lengthy wings and huge heads. Moreover, the underside of the wings, belly and head of the light morph Ferruginous Hawks are all white. They have darker legs, and their backs and upper wings are a reddish-brown color. The abdomen and legs of immature light morphs have more brown spots.
They have brown bellies and underparts, with the exception of white flying feathers on the wingtips and tail, and dark variants are far more uncommon.
Ferruginous hawks can breed all the way south to Nevada and Utah and as far north as Southern Canada. They relocate to Mexico and the Southern States throughout the winter. In the midst of their range, some birds may live there all year long.
Ferruginous Hawks may be seen in low country grasslands and shrub areas. Even while migrating, they avoid crossing the Rocky Mountains. Tiny animals make up the bulk of their food, and depending on what is available, they consume ground squirrels and prairie dogs in the East and jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits in the West.
They are active throughout the day and may hunt while flying, perched, or even on the ground. Furthermore, they can lay up to 8 eggs in their enormous nests, which may be up to 3 feet high and 3 feet wide.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi is home to a variety of hawk species, each with its own unique characteristics and ecological role. From the Red-tailed Hawk to the Ferruginous Hawk, these birds of prey are an important part of Mississippi’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining balance in the food chain. While some hawks may occasionally pose a threat to small pets or backyard birds, 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 impact natural habitats, it is essential 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 Mississippi 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)

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

Some popular places to go birdwatching for hawks in Mississippi include the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, and the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

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

Yes, there are several conservation efforts in place to protect hawks in Mississippi. The state’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks works to preserve habitat for hawks and other wildlife, and there are several organizations such as the Mississippi Audubon Society and the Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. that work to educate the public about hawks and provide medical care to injured birds. Additionally, there are laws in place to regulate hunting and protect hawks from harm.