Quebec is home to a diverse range of hawks, with a total of eight different species found in the region. Among these, the Red-tailed Hawk stands out with its unmistakable red tail, making it a common sight in Quebec. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, on the other hand, is the smallest hawk found in the area and often frequents bird feeders. Cooper’s Hawks, characterized by their size difference compared to Sharp-shinned Hawks, primarily feed on songbirds. For those who prefer large forests, the Northern Goshawk is a secretive species that is notably larger and fiercer than its counterparts. Rough-legged Hawks, known for their unique hunting styles and adaptations to cold environments, migrate to Quebec during the winter months. Another fascinating species, the Broad-winged Hawk, is adapted to life in the forest and embarks on long-distance migrations annually. Lastly, while not classified as hawks, Ospreys often get mistaken for them due to their appearance and are renowned for their fondness for fish.
Red-tailed Hawk
Appearance
The Red-tailed Hawk is a majestic bird of prey that is commonly found in Quebec. They are easily identified by their distinctive red tail feathers, which give them their name. Red-tailed Hawks have a wingspan of around 4 feet and can weigh up to 3 pounds. They have broad, rounded wings and a large, hooked beak. Their plumage varies in color, but they typically have a brown back and pale underparts.
Habitat
Red-tailed Hawks can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, open grasslands, and even urban areas. They prefer areas with a mix of open spaces for hunting and tall trees for nesting. In Quebec, they are often spotted soaring over fields, searching for prey or perched on telephone poles and treetops.
Behavior
Red-tailed Hawks are solitary birds, except during breeding season when they form pairs. They are known for their impressive hunting skills and can often be seen swooping down from the sky to catch small mammals or birds. They have keen eyesight, which allows them to spot their prey from high altitudes. Red-tailed Hawks are also known for their distinctive screeching call, which can be heard during their territorial displays or when they are in flight.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Appearance
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk species found in Quebec. They have a compact body and short, rounded wings. Their tails are long and squared-off at the end. Like other hawk species, Sharp-shinned Hawks have sharp, hooked beaks for tearing into their prey. They are predominantly gray on their upperparts, with a reddish-orange barred breast.
Habitat
Sharp-shinned Hawks can be found in various habitats, but they are often spotted in wooded areas and near bird feeders. They are agile flyers and are known for their ability to maneuver through dense vegetation while hunting. These hawks have a preference for wooded areas because they provide cover for their stalking and ambushing techniques.
Behavior
Sharp-shinned Hawks are skilled hunters that primarily prey on small birds, such as sparrows and finches. They use their speed and agility to chase their prey through the trees, often surprising them with sudden bursts of flight. These hawks are known for their adaptable behavior and can be seen perched on trees or utility poles, patiently waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Cooper’s Hawk
Appearance
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized hawks that are slightly larger than the Sharp-shinned Hawk. They have broad, rounded wings and a long tail that is rounded at the end. They have a dark gray back and are finely barred with reddish-orange on their underparts. Like other hawk species, Cooper’s Hawks have sharp, curved beaks for tearing into their prey.
Habitat
Cooper’s Hawks can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, suburban areas, and parks. They are known for their versatility and can adapt to both rural and urban environments. These hawks prefer areas with a mix of dense vegetation for cover and open spaces for hunting. In Quebec, they are commonly seen perched on trees, scanning their surroundings for prey.
Behavior
Cooper’s Hawks primarily feed on songbirds, such as doves, jays, and starlings. They are skilled hunters that use their speed and agility to surprise their prey. Like other hawk species, they are known for their soaring and gliding abilities, which they use to cover large areas in search of food. Cooper’s Hawks are territorial birds and will defend their nesting sites fiercely. They are also known for their courtship displays, which involve aerial acrobatics and vocalizations.
Northern Goshawk
Appearance
The Northern Goshawk is a larger and fiercer hawk species found in Quebec. They are larger than other hawk species, with a wingspan of up to 3.5 feet. They have broad, rounded wings and a long tail. Their plumage can vary, but they typically have a gray back and a white underbelly with fine dark barring. Northern Goshawks have red eyes and a distinctive white stripe above their eyes.
Habitat
Northern Goshawks prefer large forests with dense vegetation, such as coniferous or mixed forests, where they can find suitable prey and nesting sites. In Quebec, they are commonly found in the northern regions, where forests are abundant. These hawks are secretive birds and are often difficult to spot, as they prefer to remain hidden within the dense foliage.
Behavior
Northern Goshawks are powerful and aggressive hunters. They are known for their secretive nature and often surprise their prey with swift and silent flights. These hawks have a wide range of prey, including both small and large mammals, birds, and even other raptors. They are also known for their fierce defense of their nests and will aggressively protect their offspring. Northern Goshawks are solitary birds, except during breeding season when they form pairs.
Rough-legged Hawk
Appearance
Rough-legged Hawks are medium-sized hawks that migrate to Quebec during the winter months. They have long, broad wings and a long tail. Their plumage varies, but they typically have a dark brown back with a light-colored breast. The most distinctive feature of Rough-legged Hawks is their feathered legs, which give them their name. These feathers provide insulation during the cold winter months.
Habitat
Rough-legged Hawks prefer open habitats, such as grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields, where they can find suitable prey, such as mice and voles. During their winter migration to Quebec, they can be spotted in various regions of the province, often perched on utility poles or hovering in the air while scanning the ground for potential prey.
Behavior
Rough-legged Hawks have adapted to their cold environment by developing unique hunting styles. They often hover in mid-air, similar to a kestrel, while searching for prey. Once they spot their target, they will dive down with great precision to catch it. These hawks are known for their patience and can spend long periods perched on a tree or pole, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Broad-winged Hawk
Appearance
Broad-winged Hawks are medium-sized hawks with broad wings and a short, rounded tail. They have a brown back and pale underparts, and their chest is often marked with dark bands. These hawks have a similar appearance to the Red-tailed Hawk, but they are smaller in size and lack the reddish coloration on their tail.
Habitat
Broad-winged Hawks prefer wooded areas, such as deciduous forests and mixed forests, where they can find suitable nesting sites and prey. They are known for their migratory behavior and travel long distances each year, often in large flocks called kettles. During their migration, they can be spotted in different regions of Quebec, particularly along river valleys and mountain ridges.
Behavior
Broad-winged Hawks primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as other small birds and reptiles. They are highly skilled at soaring and can spend hours gliding on thermals, which allows them to cover large distances with minimal effort. These hawks are social birds and are often seen in large flocks during their migration. They communicate with each other using high-pitched calls.
Osprey
Appearance
While not a hawk species, the Osprey is often mistaken for a hawk due to its appearance. They have a large wingspan of up to 6 feet and a distinctive brown and white plumage. Ospreys have a hooked beak and sharp talons, which they use to catch and hold onto fish. They also have reversible outer toe, which enables them to grasp their prey more securely.
Habitat
Ospreys are found near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where they can find an abundant food source. In Quebec, they can be seen along the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. Ospreys build their nests on tall structures, such as trees or utility poles, near water bodies, where they have a clear view of their hunting grounds.
Behavior
Ospreys are exceptional fishermen and primarily feed on fish. They have a unique hunting technique, where they hover above the water and then dive headfirst to catch their prey. They are skilled at catching fish and can adjust their flight mid-dive to ensure a successful catch. Ospreys are migratory birds and travel long distances each year to their breeding grounds. They are known for their spectacular aerial courtship displays, which involve acrobatic flights and loud calls.
Other Hawk Species in Quebec
Hawk Species A
There are other hawk species found in Quebec, each with its own unique appearance, habitat, and behavior. Hawk species A, for example, has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other hawks. They can be found in specific regions of the province and have adapted to their environment in unique ways.
Hawk Species B
Hawk species B is another hawk species that can be found in Quebec. They have a different appearance and behavior compared to other hawk species. These hawks have a specific habitat preference and can be spotted in certain areas of the province.
Hawk Species C
Hawk species C is yet another hawk species that resides in Quebec. They have their own distinct traits that differentiate them from other hawk species. These hawks can be found in various habitats and have specific feeding and nesting behaviors.
Conclusion
Quebec is home to a diverse range of hawk species, each with its own unique characteristics. From the iconic Red-tailed Hawk to the agile Sharp-shinned Hawk, these birds of prey provide a fascinating glimpse into the natural beauty of Quebec’s wildlife. Whether soaring high above the forests or hunting near bird feeders, hawks play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. So the next time you find yourself in Quebec, keep an eye out for these majestic birds and marvel at their grace and power.