Get ready to soar into the world of hawks with this captivating article, “The 8 Species of Hawks Found in Vermont.” With detailed descriptions of each species including their scientific names, physical characteristics, habitats, behaviors, and diet, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these majestic birds. Discover the broad-winged hawk, Cooper’s hawk, northern goshawk, northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, rough-legged hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk, as well as their migration patterns and presence in Vermont. Accompanied by stunning photos, this article is a must-read for any nature enthusiast or bird lover.
1. Broad-winged Hawk
Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
The Broad-winged Hawk, scientifically known as Buteo platypterus, is a medium-sized bird of prey found in various habitats across North America. It measures approximately 13 to 17 inches in length and has a wingspan of about 31 to 39 inches.
Physical Characteristics
This hawk species has a compact body with short wings and a short, square-shaped tail. It is primarily brown in color with dark bands along its tail and wings. Its underparts are pale with streaks of brown. The eyes of the Broad-winged Hawk are bright yellow, and it has a hooked beak that enables it to tear apart its prey.
Habitat
The Broad-winged Hawk thrives in a wide range of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, wooded swamps, and even suburban areas with abundant trees. They prefer to nest in large trees near wetlands or water bodies.
Behavior
These hawks are known for their distinctive ‘kee-er’ or ‘whistle’ call, which they often use during their courtship display or when defending their nesting territory. Broad-winged Hawks are solitary birds but can be observed migrating in large flocks called kettles during the fall season.
Diet
Broad-winged Hawks primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews. They also consume amphibians, reptiles, birds, and large insects. These hawks are skilled hunters, soaring high above the ground before diving down to capture their prey.
Migration Patterns
The Broad-winged Hawk is known for its impressive migration journey. During the breeding season, they can be found across much of eastern North America. However, in the fall, large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks migrate south to spend the winter in Central and South America.
Presence in Vermont
While the Broad-winged Hawk can be found breeding throughout the forests of Vermont, it is most commonly observed during its migration period. Vermont serves as a crucial stopover site for these hawks during their fall migration, with thousands of individuals passing through the state in search of favorable winds and thermals to aid in their journey.
Photos
[Insert Broad-winged Hawk Photos]
2. Cooper’s Hawk
Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
Cooper’s Hawk, scientifically known as Accipiter cooperii, is a medium-sized bird of prey found across North America. It is known for its agile flight and remarkable hunting skills.
Physical Characteristics
Cooper’s Hawks are characterized by their compact body and long, rounded wings. They measure around 14 to 20 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 27 to 36 inches. These hawks showcase sexual dimorphism, with the females being larger than the males.
Habitat
These hawks occupy a variety of wooded habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban parks. They prefer areas with dense tree cover, providing them plenty of perches for hunting and nesting.
Behavior
Cooper’s Hawks are known for their fast and maneuverable flight, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation in pursuit of their prey. They are often seen soaring through forests or perching on high branches, keeping a watchful eye for potential meals.
Diet
The diet of Cooper’s Hawks mainly consists of birds, including small to medium-sized songbirds. These hawks employ a swift and stealthy hunting technique, launching surprise attacks on their prey from concealed perches or during high-speed chases through trees.
Migration Patterns
Cooper’s Hawks are generally non-migratory, with most individuals residing in their breeding area year-round. However, some individuals from northern regions may undertake short-distance migration and move to southern regions during winter.
Presence in Vermont
Cooper’s Hawks are native to Vermont and can be found year-round in the state. Their population has shown a significant increase over the past few decades, likely due to the abundance of suitable habitat and availability of prey.
Photos
[Insert Cooper’s Hawk Photos]
3. Northern Goshawk
Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
The Northern Goshawk, scientifically known as Accipiter gentilis, is a powerful and large-bodied bird of prey found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is considered one of the fiercest raptors.
Physical Characteristics
This hawk species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being significantly larger than males. Females can measure up to 22 to 25 inches in length with a wingspan of about 40 to 46 inches. Northern Goshawks have a dark gray to blackish back, pale underparts with fine barring, and distinctive red eyes.
Habitat
Northern Goshawks inhabit dense forests, particularly mature coniferous forests, where they can find suitable nesting sites and an abundance of prey. They require large territories for hunting and nesting, often avoiding areas of significant human disturbance.
Behavior
These hawks are known for their aggressive nature and impressive hunting skills. They are highly territorial and will defend their nesting area against intruders. Northern Goshawks have a stealthy hunting style, often ambushing their prey from concealed perches or launching surprise attacks from within the forest canopy.
Diet
The diet of Northern Goshawks primarily consists of medium-sized to large birds, such as grouse, pigeons, and woodpeckers. They are also known to prey on small mammals, including squirrels and rabbits.
Migration Patterns
Northern Goshawks are largely non-migratory, with most individuals remaining in their breeding territories year-round. However, some juveniles and adults may undertake short-distance migrations, particularly in regions with severe winter conditions.
Presence in Vermont
Northern Goshawks have a relatively low and scattered population in Vermont. They are most commonly found in the northeastern part of the state, where the forested habitats provide suitable nesting and hunting grounds.
Photos
[Insert Northern Goshawk Photos]
4. Northern Harrier
Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
The Northern Harrier, scientifically known as Circus hudsonius, is a slender and medium-sized hawk species that can be found in various open habitats across North America.
Physical Characteristics
Northern Harriers have a distinctive appearance, with long, narrow wings and a long tail. The males are pale gray in color with black wingtips, while the females and juveniles display a brownish plumage with streaks and bars. These hawks have a facial disk similar to owls, enabling them to locate their prey by sound.
Habitat
These hawks prefer open habitats such as marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They require large areas of open space for hunting and nesting, utilizing low perches or hovering in search of their prey.
Behavior
Northern Harriers are known for their unique hunting behavior. They fly low to the ground, gliding and hovering as they search for small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They can often be seen flying with their wings held in a distinctive V-shape.
Diet
The diet of Northern Harriers primarily consists of small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rabbits. They are also known to prey on birds, reptiles, and insects. These hawks rely on their exceptional hearing to detect the movements of their prey hidden in the thick vegetation.
Migration Patterns
Northern Harriers are partially migratory, with individuals from northern regions migrating south during the winter months to find more favorable hunting grounds. However, some individuals may remain in their breeding territories year-round if suitable prey is available.
Presence in Vermont
Northern Harriers are known to breed in Vermont, particularly in areas with suitable wetland and grassland habitats. They are most commonly observed during their winter migration, with individuals passing through or wintering in the state’s open fields and marshes.
Photos
[Insert Northern Harrier Photos]
5. Red-tailed Hawk
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
The Red-tailed Hawk, scientifically known as Buteo jamaicensis, is one of the most common and widespread hawk species in North America. It is known for its broad wings and distinctive red tail.
Physical Characteristics
Red-tailed Hawks are large birds of prey, measuring approximately 18 to 26 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 43 to 56 inches. They exhibit significant variation in coloration, with individuals ranging from light to dark morphs. The adults have a reddish-brown tail and pale underparts with a dark belly band.
Habitat
These hawks inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, open woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. They are versatile and adaptable birds, capable of thriving in diverse environments.
Behavior
Red-tailed Hawks are known for their soaring flight, often riding thermal updrafts to gain altitude. They are solitary birds and usually seen perched or soaring high in the sky, keeping a sharp lookout for potential prey. During courtship displays, Red-tailed Hawks perform aerial acrobatics, including diving and talon grappling.
Diet
The diet of Red-tailed Hawks primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals, including mice, rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs. They also prey on birds, reptiles, and occasionally insects. These hawks employ a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, patiently observing their surroundings before swooping down to capture their prey.
Migration Patterns
Red-tailed Hawks demonstrate variable migration patterns, with individuals from northern regions often migrating south during the winter months to find more favorable hunting grounds. However, some individuals may remain in their breeding territories year-round if sufficient food resources are available.
Presence in Vermont
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common and year-round resident in Vermont. They can be found nesting in various habitats, including forests, open fields, and along the edges of wetlands. These hawks are frequently spotted perched on utility poles or soaring overhead, making them a familiar sight to both rural and urban Vermont residents.
Photos
[Insert Red-tailed Hawk Photos]
6. Red-shouldered Hawk
Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
The Red-shouldered Hawk, scientifically known as Buteo lineatus, is a medium-sized hawk species found primarily in eastern North America. It is known for its distinctive reddish-brown shoulder patches.
Physical Characteristics
Red-shouldered Hawks have a compact body with broad wings and a medium-length tail. Adults measure around 16 to 24 inches in length, with a wingspan of about 37 to 43 inches. They have a reddish-brown head, back, and shoulders, with pale underparts finely barred with reddish-brown.
Habitat
These hawks prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly those near water sources such as rivers, wetlands, and swamps. They require tall trees for nesting and hunting, often perching on high branches or snags.
Behavior
Red-shouldered Hawks are vocal birds, frequently uttering a distinctive, high-pitched scream that echoes through the forest. They are skilled hunters, using their keen vision to spot prey from a distance. These hawks have been observed engaging in courtship flights, during which they perform daring aerial displays.
Diet
The diet of Red-shouldered Hawks consists of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. They are particularly fond of snakes and often feed on them. Their hunting strategy involves perching on a high vantage point and swooping down to capture their prey.
Migration Patterns
Red-shouldered Hawks demonstrate variable migration patterns, with some individuals migrating south to escape severe winter conditions. However, many individuals remain in their breeding territories year-round if food sources are available.
Presence in Vermont
Red-shouldered Hawks are generally uncommon in Vermont, primarily occurring in the southern and western regions of the state. They are more abundant along river valleys and in swampy habitats, where they can find an ample supply of prey. Observing a Red-shouldered Hawk in Vermont is always a special treat for bird enthusiasts.
Photos
[Insert Red-shouldered Hawk Photos]
7. Rough-legged Hawk
Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
The Rough-legged Hawk, scientifically known as Buteo lagopus, is an Arctic breeding raptor that migrates to more temperate regions during the winter months. It is known for its characteristic feathered legs.
Physical Characteristics
Rough-legged Hawks are medium-sized birds with a length ranging from 18 to 22 inches and a wingspan of about 52 to 56 inches. They exhibit noticeable sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and heavier than males. These hawks have feathered legs that extend down to their toes, providing insulation against the cold Arctic climate.
Habitat
During the breeding season, Rough-legged Hawks inhabit open tundra and taiga habitats in the Arctic. However, during the winter months, they migrate to more southern regions, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and marshes.
Behavior
Rough-legged Hawks are often observed hovering or perching high on telephone poles or trees while scanning the ground for prey. They have an exceptional eyesight, allowing them to spot small mammals from great distances. These hawks are social during the winter, occasionally roosting and hunting together.
Diet
The diet of Rough-legged Hawks primarily consists of small mammals, especially voles and lemmings. They also prey on rabbits, squirrels, birds, and occasionally large insects. These hawks employ a sit-and-wait hunting technique, patiently scanning their surroundings before swooping down to capture their prey.
Migration Patterns
Rough-legged Hawks are a highly migratory species, journeying from their Arctic breeding grounds to more southerly wintering areas. They undertake long-distance migration routes, often traveling in flocks and covering hundreds or even thousands of miles.
Presence in Vermont
Vermont is fortunate to be visited by Rough-legged Hawks during the winter months. These hawks can be observed in open fields, hovering or perching on vantage points as they search for prey. Their striking plumage and feathered legs make them easily recognizable and highly sought after by birdwatchers.
Photos
[Insert Rough-legged Hawk Photos]
8. Sharp-shinned Hawk
Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
The Sharp-shinned Hawk, scientifically known as Accipiter striatus, is a small but agile bird of prey found across North America. It is highly skilled in pursuing and capturing agile prey.
Physical Characteristics
Sharp-shinned Hawks are among the smallest hawk species, measuring around 9 to 13 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 16 to 22 inches. They have short, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. These hawks showcase sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males.
Habitat
These hawks occupy various wooded habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban parks. They require areas with dense vegetation, providing cover for both hunting and nesting. Sharp-shinned Hawks are adept at maneuvering through trees and vegetation in pursuit of their prey.
Behavior
Sharp-shinned Hawks are renowned for their exceptional agility and speed. They are proficient hunters, capable of navigating through dense forest canopies in pursuit of small birds and mammals. They are secretive and rarely seen perched in the open, preferring to remain concealed within the foliage.
Diet
The primary diet of Sharp-shinned Hawks consists of small birds, particularly songbirds, which they ambush and capture in flight. They are adept at using their agility and speed to surprise and capture their prey. These hawks may also consume small mammals, insects, and occasionally reptiles.
Migration Patterns
Sharp-shinned Hawks are migratory birds, breeding in northern regions and migrating south during the winter months. They undertake long-distance journeys to reach their wintering grounds, often following narrow migration corridors to take advantage of favorable wind patterns.
Presence in Vermont
Sharp-shinned Hawks are common in Vermont during the breeding season and can be found nesting in a variety of forested habitats throughout the state. They are also observed during their fall migration, with individuals passing through Vermont’s forests and parks. Their small size and sleek appearance make them an intriguing sight for bird enthusiasts.
Photos
[Insert Sharp-shinned Hawk Photos]