Hawks of Virginia

Hawks of Virginia

Virginia, a state known for its diverse and picturesque landscapes, is also home to a remarkable variety of hawks. These majestic birds of prey captivate both seasoned birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike with their aerial prowess and keen hunting skills.

From the dense forests of the Shenandoah Valley to the coastal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia offers a range of habitats that attract different hawk species throughout the year. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of hawks in Virginia, exploring their habitats, behaviors, and the best locations to observe these awe-inspiring raptors in action.

1. Red-Shouldered Hawk

  • Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
  • Life span: 19 years
  • Size: 16.9-24.0 in (43-61 cm)
  • Weight: 17.1-27.3 oz (486-774 g)
  • Wingspan: 37.0-43.7 in (94-111 cm)
  • Status: Least Concern

The Red-Shouldered Hawk is a common sight in VA, gracing the skies year-round. Its expansive range spans from southeastern Canada to Mexico, encompassing all eastern states. With a brownish head and a reddish chest adorned with pale stripes, these hawks stand out.

Notably, they possess an elongated tail compared to other hawk species, and their flight reveals their distinctive red shoulders. Virginia’s abundant deciduous swamps and bottomland hardwood forests serve as perfect habitats for the Red-Shouldered Hawk, particularly in the northern regions.

A Red-Shouldered Hawk taking a rest on a log

Breeding season for the Red-Shouldered Hawk commences in April, with a preference for concealed mixed wooded areas near water bodies. They select nesting locations within diverse forested regions, displaying monogamous and territorial behaviour. During courtship, the male performs aerial acrobatics above the female, swooping in close proximity. Nesting pairs construct their nests in large trees, often reusing them in subsequent breeding seasons.

As woodland hunters, Red-Shouldered Hawks perch atop tall trees or gracefully glide across the landscape in search of prey. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like voles, mice, and moles. However, depending on local conditions, they may also supplement their diet with crayfish and small birds, especially during periods of low small mammal populations in winter.

Once a common raptor in North America, the Red-Shouldered Hawk faced a decline in population due to the loss of old-growth forests during the 1900s. However, conservation efforts since the 1950s, along with the prohibition of hunting these birds, have successfully stabilized their population. Additionally, the banning of specific pesticides, notably DDT, has contributed to their population’s recovery and sustainability.

2. 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

The Red-Tailed Hawk is a common bird found in Virginia year-round, with a wide range that stretches from Panama to Alaska and can be found in nearly all parts of North America. As the second largest hawk found in VA, it is easily recognized by its distinctive short, red tail and its brown back and pale underside.

The species has 14 subspecies in North America, which differ in coloration. The Virginia Red-Tailed Hawk is similar in appearance to the other subspecies found in the United States but is generally larger. With a large distribution area, this species is highly adaptable to different habitats, but prefers woodlands and woodland edges.

A Red-Tailed Hawk sitting on a wooden post

The Red-Tailed Hawk initiates its breeding season in February, marked by an impressive courtship flight by the male. Soaring high in the sky, he executes dramatic swooping dives near the chosen female.

To further impress her, the male may also capture prey and offer it as a gift. In Virginia, these hawks typically construct their nests in tall trees, exceeding the height of surrounding vegetation, or utilize nest boxes. These nests are often reused by the same breeding pair in subsequent years.

With a primary diet cantered around small mammals like voles, rats, and rabbits, the Red-Tailed Hawk occasionally includes small birds in its prey selection. Hunting strategies involve perching on trees and launching surprise attacks on unsuspecting prey or gliding at altitudes of 20-50 meters, diligently scanning the ground for potential meals.

Over the past century, the Red-Tailed Hawk’s range has expanded, potentially attributed to the transformation of dense woodlands into fragmented woodland patches caused by logging activities. However, like many other hawk species, this majestic bird faces threats such as illegal shootings by humans and the consumption of poisoned prey.

3. 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

The Cooper’s Hawk, a medium-sized avian species, is widely distributed across North America and extends its range as far south as Mexico. This forest-dwelling bird showcases remarkable agility and possesses extraordinary flying skills that enable it to pursue prey much larger than itself.

Adult Cooper’s Hawks display captivating features, including pale orangy barring on their chest, occasionally leading to confusion with Sharp-Shinned Hawks. These birds are cunning and stealthy predators, a trait that can sometimes garner disfavour from homeowners as they may lurk around bird feeders, targeting the unsuspecting visitors rather than the food within the feeders themselves.

A Cooper’s Hawk sitting on a branch in the winter

The breeding season of the Cooper’s Hawk commences in March, characterized by an impressive courtship flight performed by the male to impress the chosen female. This aerial display includes soaring high in the sky and showcasing breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Once paired, the mated pair engages in territorial behaviour, gliding with deliberate and slow wingbeats around their nesting area. Nest construction takes place in tall trees, often utilizing existing structures like old bird nests.

Small birds constitute the primary diet of the Cooper’s Hawk, which they capture either in mid-air or through stealthy ambushes while perched on branches. Additionally, they also consume small mammals like mice and voles, employing less showy hunting tactics compared to their pursuit of small birds.

The population of Cooper’s Hawk has experienced significant fluctuations since the 1900s. Initially, there was a rapid threefold increase in numbers, followed by a sharp decline due to hunting. With hunting being prohibited, the population began to rebound, only to face another setback with the introduction of DDT, resulting in widespread fatalities. Currently, the population appears to have stabilized, although poisoning of prey remains a significant cause of premature mortality in the species.

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

The Sharp-Shinned Hawk, the smallest hawk in Virginia and the United States, displays a grayish back and an orangy chest, resembling the Cooper’s Hawk in appearance. However, a distinguishing characteristic is the presence of distinctive tail stripes on the Sharp-Shinned Hawk. Their small size contributes to their secretive nature, frequently seeking shelter within forests during the nesting season.

This Sharp-Shinned Hawk seems to have spotted the cameraman

During courtship, the Sharp-shinned Hawks engage in soaring and circling above forests while calling to one another. The male showcases a traditional hawk courtship display by swooping close to the female and exhibiting its full body. When constructing nests, they seek out the densest coniferous trees in thick forests, strategically placing the nest near the trunk for enhanced camouflage.

These hawks conceal themselves within dense bushes or trees, patiently awaiting prey. Their diet primarily consists of small birds and mammals, similar to the Cooper’s Hawk. With their adept aerial manoeuvrability, they capture small birds while in mid-air.

The Sharp-Shinned Hawk population experienced a decline due to the use of DDT during the 1960s and 1970s. However, since the banning of such chemicals, their numbers have rebounded, reaching an all-time high. The proliferation of bird feeders in private gardens has also provided these hawks with additional opportunities to secure easy prey, aiding in their recovery from the poisoning incidents of the past.

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

During the breeding season, the Broad-Winged Hawk is a common sight across Virginia. However, it is during their fall migration when they truly captivate birders. These hawks gather in awe-inspiring flocks of thousands as they journey to South America. With its dark brown body and a distinctive pale whitish belly adorned with horizontal bars, the Broad-Winged Hawk showcases a striking appearance.

A Broad-Winged Hawk sitting on a branch while taking a rest

During the onset of April, the breeding season of the Broad-Winged Hawk commences, accompanied by an elaborate courtship display performed by the male in mid-air. Together, the male and female construct their nests in deciduous trees nestled deep within the forested regions, particularly along the Tennessee River and extending towards Maine.

The Broad-Winged Hawk boasts a versatile palate, unlike its hawk counterparts, exhibiting flexibility in its food choices. While its primary diet consists of small mammals like voles, it also indulges in a diverse range of meals including amphibians, insects, birds, and reptiles. Skilled in stealth, these birds conceal themselves amidst concealed low-hanging branches, ambushing their unsuspecting prey with swift talon strikes during gliding descents.

The primary threat faced by the Broad-Winged Hawk is the fragmentation of forests within its breeding range. Nonetheless, conservation efforts within the United States have contributed to a potential population upswing. Despite the challenges posed by forest fragmentation, the species is believed to be experiencing an upward trajectory, potentially attributed to concerted conservation endeavours across the nation.

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

The Rough-Legged Hawk, uniquely adapted to its Arctic breeding habitat, presents itself as the sole hawk species to inhabit these frigid realms. While primarily residing in the high Arctic, it also graces Virginia as a common winter visitor. Exhibiting a predominantly brown plumage, its lighter-coloured head and scattered dark spots accentuate its distinctive appearance.

Notably, its undersides bear a conspicuous large dark spot, facilitating easy differentiation from other hawks. The moniker “Rough-Legged” originates from the hawk’s remarkable attribute of being feathered along its legs, right down to its toes—a crucial adaptation for survival in its Arctic breeding range.

A Rough-Legged Hawk sitting on the snowy ground

The Rough-Legged Hawk exhibits unique nesting behaviour, as they select their nesting sites in the autumn, well in advance of the breeding season that typically commences in May. Before departing their breeding territories for the winter, they meticulously survey areas abundant in prey to secure resources for the upcoming breeding period.

During this breeding season, males and females engage in mesmerizing aerial courtship displays, with the male executing a captivating “sky dance” involving flapping and dramatic dives. Nests are constructed on cliff sides, utilizing a robust amalgamation of sticks, bones, and other durable materials.

Their diet predominantly comprises small mammals, including voles, lemmings, and ground squirrels. These hawks hunt by patrolling over open terrain, often perched on elevated vantage points, and swiftly swooping down to capture prey on the ground or employing hovering techniques before launching a decisive strike.

They also feed on small birds, occasional reptiles, amphibians, and insects. However, during the winter months, when prey becomes scarcer and migration leads them to more southerly regions, they demonstrate a preference for avian prey, such as grouse, ptarmigans, and ducks.

Currently, the Rough-Legged Hawk faces no prominent threats, as their breeding habitat within the high Arctic remains relatively undisturbed by direct human interference. However, inadvertent and indirect poisoning of prey in their wintering grounds, along with habitat loss caused by climate change, pose potential concerns. potential concerns.

Currently, there is limited information available on the population status of the Rough-legged Hawk, but it is believed to be stable.

7. Northern Goshawk

  • Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
  • 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

Similar to the Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-Shinned Hawk, the Northern Goshawk possesses remarkable agility and adeptness in navigating dense forests. These birds are highly elusive, frequently concealing themselves in the depths of wooded areas.

The Rough-Legged Hawk is present year-round in Virginia’s northern region and occasionally seen in the southern part of the state during non-breeding periods. Distinguished by its dark grey upper plumage and contrasting lighter gray underparts, adorned with black stripes, the Northern Goshawk exhibits a striking appearance.

Close-up photo of a Northern Goshawk staring into the camera

The Northern Goshawk is renowned for its formation of monogamous and lifelong pair bonds. During courtship, similar to the Sharp-Shinned Hawk, the male and female engage in soaring and circling above the forest. The male showcases his prowess with aerial dives and presents food to the female as a display of affection.

Nest construction is primarily carried out by the female, while the male assumes the responsibility of providing food. Nests are typically situated high in tall trees within densely forested regions.

As carnivores, the Northern Goshawk’s diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, hares, and small deer. They also prey upon birds such as grouse, pheasants, and pigeons.

These skilled hunters adapt their diet opportunistically, adjusting to prey availability and local conditions. In urbanized areas, Northern Goshawks may seize the opportunity to hunt pigeons and rock doves.

Although the population of the Northern Goshawk has been relatively less affected by the use of DDT compared to other species, their habitats face significant challenges due to logging activities and the fragmentation of deeply forested areas. Furthermore, the proliferation of bird feeders in private gardens has provided the Sharp-Shinned Hawk with convenient access to prey.

Where to find Hawks in Virginia

In Virginia, hawks can be found throughout various habitats, including forests, fields, wetlands, and even urban areas. To spot hawks, it’s best to look for open areas with good visibility, such as open fields or perches near tree lines. Observing from elevated vantage points, such as hilltops or observation towers, can also increase your chances of spotting hawks in flight.

Four excellent areas for hawk-watching in Virginia are the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. These locations offer diverse habitats and attract a wide range of hawk species during their migrations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Virginia offers a rich and varied landscape for observing hawks in their natural habitat. From dense forests to open fields, these majestic birds can be spotted soaring through the skies. With their impressive hunting skills and aerial acrobatics, hawks captivate and inspire bird enthusiasts.

Virginia’s diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities for birdwatchers to experience the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures up close. Whether it’s the Red-Tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, or any other species, observing hawks in Virginia is a rewarding experience that deepens our appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Join the discussion