Hawks are a captivating part of New Hampshire’s natural landscape, soaring gracefully across open skies and woodlands. These birds of prey are known for their sharp vision, powerful flight, and commanding presence. In New Hampshire, several species of hawks can be found, each bringing its unique characteristics to the region.
From the Red-tailed Hawk, a common sight in open fields, to the Cooper’s Hawk, a swift hunter of woodland edges, these raptors are both beautiful and vital to the ecosystem. Their sharp calls and soaring silhouettes add a sense of wildness to the state’s natural areas. Whether perched in trees or circling high above, hawks are always on the move, scanning the landscape for prey or patrolling their territory.
Observing hawks in New Hampshire is not just about spotting a bird—it’s a window into the intricate balance of nature and the resilience of these majestic predators.
1. Red-Tailed Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
- Weight: 31.8-51.5 oz (900-1460 g)
- Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in (114-133 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Stays year-round, does not leave New Hampshire
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread hawks in North America, found from forests to open fields across the continent. Its rich brown back contrasts with a pale chest, and its namesake reddish-brown tail is especially striking in flight.
These hawks are often seen perched on telephone poles or soaring on thermals, their broad wings outstretched. Their piercing call is iconic, often used in movies to represent any bird of prey, adding to their mystique.
Red-tailed Hawks are versatile nesters, often building their large, stick-based nests high in tall trees or on cliffs. They select sites with expansive views, lining their nests with softer materials like bark or moss. Pairs return to the same site yearly, adding to the structure over time.
Their nests are an impressive testament to their territorial nature, frequently located near open fields or forest edges, where they can easily spot potential threats and prey.
These hawks primarily hunt small mammals like rodents, but they are opportunistic and adaptable. With their sharp eyesight, they can also spot reptiles, birds, or even insects. Perching on poles or soaring in wide circles, Red-tailed Hawks use their environment to locate prey. Once they lock in on a target, their swift dive and strong talons ensure a successful hunt. Their dietary flexibility contributes to their wide range across North America.
Conservation efforts have played a significant role in maintaining the Red-tailed Hawk population, which remains stable across New Hampshire. Once affected by habitat loss and pesticide use, these hawks have benefitted from improved land management practices. Education campaigns about raptors have also helped reduce human-wildlife conflict. Today, they are one of the most visible and admired raptors in the state.
2. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: 14.6-15.3 in (37-39 cm)
- Weight: 7.8-14.5 oz (220-410 g)
- Wingspan: 24.4-35.4 in (62-90 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Partial migration; some leave in late fall.
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized raptors found across much of North America, often in wooded areas and suburban landscapes. They display a sleek slate-gray back, reddish-barred chest, and a long, rounded tail with dark bands. Known for their stealth and speed, they glide gracefully between trees with remarkable precision.
Their sharp, hooked beaks and intense orange eyes give them a fierce appearance. Cooper’s Hawks are often observed near bird feeders, where they skillfully patrol for movement.
Cooper’s Hawks prefer to nest in the quiet cover of forests, often selecting tall trees with thick branches. Their nests are large and sturdy, built from sticks and lined with softer materials like bark. These hawks are territorial, often fiercely defending their chosen nesting site.
Pairs may reuse their nests annually, enhancing them with fresh material each season. Their choice of location often balances concealment with proximity to open spaces for hunting.
Cooper’s Hawks primarily hunt medium-sized birds, including doves and pigeons. Their agility allows them to manoeuvre through dense woodlands, surprising their prey with swift, calculated strikes. They also take small mammals and occasionally reptiles. Known for their patience, they may perch quietly before launching into a dramatic chase, making them a formidable predator in their forested habitats across New Hampshire.
Cooper’s Hawks were once in decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use but have since rebounded significantly. Conservation laws and urban adaptation have allowed them to thrive, even in suburban areas where bird feeders attract prey. Public education about their role in ecosystems has helped foster appreciation.
3. Northern Harrier
- Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
- Life span: 5 – 7 years
- Size: 18-24 in / 45-61 cm
- Weight: 12.3-26.5 oz / 350-750 g
- Wingspan: 40-48 in / 100-122 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and uncommon
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall, migrates south for the winter.
The Northern Harrier is a graceful hawk often seen gliding low over marshes and open fields. With long wings and a distinctive white rump patch, it is easy to spot as it hovers or drifts in search of movement below. Males are gray, while females are rich brown, making them visually striking.
Found throughout North America, including New Hampshire, this hawk’s unique hunting style and elegant flight make it a favorite among birdwatchers in the region.
Northern Harriers nest on the ground, typically in open grasslands or wetlands. Their nests are hidden among dense vegetation, made of grasses and lined with softer material to protect their eggs. The female takes the lead in building the nest, while the male provides food during the breeding season. These ground nests are vulnerable to predators, but the harriers’ choice of concealed locations helps minimize risks.
These hawks hunt by gliding low over fields, scanning for small mammals or birds. Their owl-like facial disk enhances their hearing, allowing them to detect even the slightest rustle of prey. They are often seen quartering fields, their long wings and tail giving them graceful, buoyant flight. Watching them hunt is a mesmerizing experience, showcasing their unique adaptation to open habitats.
Northern Harriers face habitat loss due to wetland drainage and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts in New Hampshire aim to protect grasslands and wetlands, ensuring these hawks have safe nesting and hunting grounds. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of preserving these habitats.
4. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
- Life span: 5 years
- Size: 9.4-13.4 in (24-34 cm)
- Weight: 3.1-7.7 oz (87-218 g)
- Wingspan: 16.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves in fall, migrates south for the winter
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile raptor that inhabits woodlands and forest edges across North America. With slate-gray upperparts and a pale, streaked chest, this hawk is built for stealthy flight through dense trees. Its long, narrow tail helps with manoeuvrability, and its yellow eyes lend it an intense, alert expression.
Often seen during migration, Sharp-shinned Hawks can be spotted darting after prey or perched inconspicuously, blending seamlessly with their wooded surroundings.
Sharp-shinned Hawks construct their nests in dense woodlands, often choosing coniferous trees for their high branches and good cover. The nests are made of twigs and lined with softer materials to hold their eggs securely. These hawks value seclusion, building their nests in hard-to-spot locations. The female does most of the nesting work, while the male ensures a steady supply of food during incubation and early chick-rearing stages.
Small birds make up the majority of the Sharp-shinned Hawk’s diet. These hawks are adept at navigating wooded environments, darting between trees to catch their prey mid-flight. Their long tails and short, rounded wings are perfectly adapted for this hunting style.
Occasionally, they’ll supplement their meals with insects or small mammals, but their sharp precision as bird hunters is what sets them apart in New Hampshire’s forests.
Sharp-shinned Hawks faced population declines during the 20th century due to pesticide use, which affected their prey. Conservation measures, including the banning of harmful chemicals, have allowed their numbers to recover. Monitoring programs and public awareness have further aided their comeback. Today, they are a regular sight during migration seasons, and efforts to maintain forest habitats ensure their continued presence in New Hampshire.
5. Broad-Winged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: 13.4-17.3 in (34-44 cm)
- Weight: 9.3-19.8 oz (265-560 g)
- Wingspan: 31.9-39.4 in (81-100 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves in early fall, migrates south to Central America.
The Broad-winged Hawk is a migratory raptor that breeds in New Hampshire’s forests during the summer. Compact and sturdy, it has brown upperparts, a white chest with reddish barring, and a boldly banded tail. During migration, thousands gather in impressive flocks called “kettles,” soaring high in the sky.
While breeding, these hawks prefer quiet woodlands, blending into their surroundings. Their arrival in spring and departure in fall marks a dynamic rhythm in New Hampshire’s birdlife.
Broad-winged Hawks are secretive nesters, often selecting secluded forest areas for their nests. These nests are built high in trees, made of sticks, and lined with softer vegetation. The hawks are attentive parents, guarding their young fiercely until they fledge. In New Hampshire, they breed in the warmer months, taking advantage of the forest’s shelter and abundance of prey during this time.
Broad-winged Hawks feed on small mammals, amphibians, and insects. They are opportunistic hunters, often using a perch-and-pounce technique to capture their prey. During the breeding season, they can be found in forests, but their feeding habits expand during migration.
Broad-winged Hawks are best known for their incredible migratory behavior, forming large flocks called kettles as they head south for the winter. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding habitats and migratory routes. Public interest in hawk migration has grown, leading to monitoring programs that track their movements. Their presence in New Hampshire’s forests and their dramatic migration journeys make them a fascinating and valued species.
6. Rough-Legged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 18-20 in (46-51 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-3.25 lbs (680-1470g)
- Wingspan: 52-54 inches (132-137 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migration pattern: Visits in winter, leaves by early spring.
The Rough-legged Hawk is a winter visitor to open fields and tundras of North America, including New Hampshire. This large hawk is easily identified by its dark patches on the underwings, feathered legs, and strikingly patterned tail, which can appear dark-tipped. Its plumage varies from light to dark morphs, offering an array of appearances.
Often seen hovering or perched on fence posts, this hawk’s presence during the colder months is a seasonal highlight for bird enthusiasts.
Rough-legged Hawks are ground-nesters, typically building their nests on cliffs or elevated areas in the Arctic tundra, where they breed. These nests are made of sticks, grasses, and moss, blending into their surroundings for camouflage. While they don’t nest in New Hampshire, they appear during winter, often seen hovering or perched in open fields as they escape the harsh conditions of their northern breeding grounds.
In winter, Rough-legged Hawks feed on small mammals such as voles and mice. They hunt by hovering over open fields, scanning the ground below for movement. Their ability to hover in place, combined with their sharp eyesight, makes them efficient predators in the snow-covered landscapes of New Hampshire’s colder months. Their dark wrist patches and feathered legs make them easily identifiable during these hunting forays.
Rough-legged Hawks have stable populations, but their winter presence in New Hampshire is monitored closely. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining the open fields they rely on during migration. Public awareness of their unique habits helps foster appreciation for these seasonal visitors.
7. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter atricapilla
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 24-29 in (61-74 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-3 lbs (680-1360g)
- Wingspan: 45-52 in (114-132 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Stays year-round, rarely migrates out of New Hampshire.
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful, secretive hawk that resides in coniferous forests across the northern hemisphere. With slate-gray feathers on its back, finely streaked underparts, and striking red eyes, it carries an air of intensity.
Its broad wings and long tail make it a skilled navigator through dense woods. Rarely seen due to its elusive nature, this hawk is a symbol of wilderness and is admired for its fierce, commanding presence in its habitat.
Northern Goshawks build their nests high in coniferous forests, often selecting sturdy trees with dense cover. The nests are large and made of twigs, lined with softer materials for their eggs. Known for their territorial nature, they fiercely guard their nesting sites, often attacking intruders with boldness. Both parents participate in raising the young, ensuring they are well-fed and protected, which highlights their strong commitment to family.
This hawk is an exceptional hunter, preying on birds and small mammals within the dense forest. Their broad wings and long tails allow for precise maneuverability through trees, making them adept at ambushing prey. Their sharp talons and hooked beaks ensure a quick kill. Northern Goshawks are patient hunters, often watching silently from perches before striking with sudden speed.
Once threatened by deforestation and hunting, Northern Goshawks have benefitted from modern conservation efforts. Forest protection and public awareness campaigns have helped stabilize their populations. While still secretive and rare to spot, their presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems. Continued efforts to preserve mature forests in New Hampshire are critical to ensuring this species remains a symbol of the wild, untamed woodlands.
8. Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
- Weight: 12-26 ounces (350-740 g)
- Wingspan: 40-48 inches (100-122 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall, migrates to southern regions.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a colourful raptor found in eastern North America, including New Hampshire. Its striking plumage features rusty-red shoulders, a barred chest, and a boldly banded tail.
Preferring wooded areas near water, this hawk often soars gracefully, emitting its distinctive, high-pitched call. Its pale underwings, flecked with white, stand out in flight. Red-shouldered Hawks are a vibrant presence in their habitats, adding both visual and auditory flair to the natural landscape.
Red-shouldered Hawks often nest in deciduous or mixed forests near water. Their nests are constructed with sticks and lined with softer materials like moss or leaves. They tend to nest high in trees, using vantage points to watch for threats. These hawks are known to return to the same nesting areas yearly, reinforcing their connection to their breeding territories, which often feature streams or wetlands.
These hawks favor hunting in forested areas, targeting small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They’re particularly known for hunting near water, where frogs and other prey are abundant. Their sharp calls often give away their presence as they soar or perch near their chosen hunting grounds. Their hunting style is calculated, using their keen eyesight to spot and swoop on prey with precision.
Historically affected by habitat loss, Red-shouldered Hawks have benefitted from wetland conservation efforts. Their populations have gradually increased as awareness of their ecological role grows. Protecting water-rich habitats in New Hampshire is vital for their continued success.
Where to find Hawks in New Hampshire
Hawks are a thrilling sight in New Hampshire, and with a little patience, you can find them in many parts of the state. These majestic birds of prey are most active during the day, often soaring high in search of food or perched on treetops and power lines. The best time to spot hawks is early morning or late afternoon, when they’re most likely to be hunting. Bringing binoculars and learning their calls can help enhance the experience.
One great spot to find hawks is Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory in Peterborough, a popular place during migration seasons, where hawks pass through in large numbers. Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers another prime location, with open fields and woodlands that attract a variety of hawk species. In the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park provides a stunning backdrop for watching hawks as they soar above the cliffs. Finally, Bear Brook State Park near Allenstown combines forested areas and open spaces, creating a diverse habitat for hawks.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious, spotting hawks in New Hampshire is an exciting way to connect with the state’s natural beauty. Take your time, look up, and let the hawks reveal themselves.
Conclusion
Hawks are an integral part of New Hampshire’s natural landscapes, showcasing their strength, agility, and adaptability. From the forest-dwelling Northern Goshawk to the soaring Broad-winged Hawk, each species contributes to the state’s diverse ecosystems.
Observing these raptors in action highlights the importance of preserving habitats, from open fields to dense woodlands. By protecting these spaces and fostering appreciation for wildlife, we ensure that hawks continue to thrive and inspire awe for generations to come.
