What hawks are common in Kentucky?

Kentucky is home to a diverse array of hawks, with around 15 species that are regularly observed across the state. Some of the most commonly sighted hawks in Kentucky include the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Merlin, and Northern Goshawk. The wide variety of habitats in Kentucky, from forested hills to open farmlands, allows different hawk species to thrive. This article will provide an overview of the most frequently observed hawk species in Kentucky, including details on identification, breeding, habitat, diet, and conservation status.

Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and commonly seen raptors in North America. In Kentucky, Red-tailed Hawks are a very common, year-round resident. They are large, bulky hawks characterized by broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adult Red-tailed Hawks are easily identified by their reddish-brown tail. Other field marks include a pale underside with a dark band across the belly and a streaked brown back. These hawks occupy open country with scattered trees or elevated perches, including mixed farmland, prairies, parks, and suburban areas. Red-tailed Hawks are versatile generalist predators, feeding mainly on small mammals like rodents, rabbits, and squirrels. They also prey on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Red-tailed Hawks are monogamous and usually mate for life. They build large stick nests in the branches of tall trees. The female lays 1-5 eggs that are incubated for 28-35 days. Young fledge at 6-7 weeks old.

Red-shouldered Hawk

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized, forest-dwelling hawk that is a fairly common breeding resident in Kentucky. Adults have a striking white crescent marking on the leading edge of their long, broad wings when in flight. Other identification features include translucent crescents near the wingtips and reddish barring on the chest. Red-shouldered Hawks inhabit moist hardwood forests, especially near wetlands, lakes, or streams. Their diet is varied and includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. They often hunt from a perch before swooping down on prey. Red-shouldered Hawks are monogamous and build a new nest together each breeding season. Nests are typically built high in a tree near water. 2-4 eggs are laid and incubated for 28-33 days. Young fledge at about 6 weeks old. These hawks are sensitive to habitat loss and human disturbance.

Cooper’s Hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk is an accipiter species that is a regular breeding hawk in Kentucky. It is a medium-sized hawk with a crow-sized body and long banded tail. Adults are blue-gray above with reddish barring on the underside. The head is rounded and the eyes are red. Cooper’s Hawks are forest and woodland hawks that thrive in both rural and suburban environments with mature trees for nesting. They are a woodland version of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper’s Hawks are swift, agile predators that specialize in hunting small- to medium-sized birds like robins, jays, woodpeckers, and doves. They also prey on small mammals and the occasional reptile or amphibian. Cooper’s Hawks build a new nest each year, often high in a tree. The female lays 3-6 eggs that hatch after 30-36 days. Young fledge at 27-34 days old. Populations declined mid-century due to DDT but have rebounded in many regions.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small accipiter hawk that is an uncommon breeding resident in Kentucky. Adults have blue-gray upperparts, orange barring on the underparts, and short, rounded wings. They are crow-sized with a long square-tipped tail. Sharp-shinned Hawks are found in wooded areas, especially dense deciduous and coniferous forests. They perch quietly before bursting forth to grab small bird prey in midair with their talons. Sharp-shinned Hawks primarily prey on small songbirds like finches, sparrows, warblers, and wrens. They also take some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These secretive hawks build a stick nest high in a conifer tree in spring, often using an old nest from a previous year. The female lays 3-8 eggs that hatch after 30-35 days. Young fledge at 20-28 days old.

Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is a slender, medium-sized raptor characterized by its owl-like facial disk and long, tapered wings. It is an uncommon breeding resident in Kentucky. Northern Harriers frequent open habitats like marshes, fields, and prairies. A low, floating flight style with wings held in a V-shape helps them spot and pursue small mammals and birds low over the ground. Prey is captured using talons and a sharp, hooked bill. Northern Harriers nest on the ground, making a platform of sticks and grasses in dense, low vegetation. The female lays 4-6 eggs that are incubated for 31-32 days. The male provides most of the food as the female tends to the young. Nestlings fledge at around 40 days old. Northern Harrier populations have declined significantly across North America due to habitat loss and degradation.

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colorful falcon. In Kentucky, it is a fairly common breeding hawk. American Kestrels are compact falcons with long, pointed wings, reddish-brown backs, dual vertical dark facial marks, and brightly colored males. They occupy open and partially wooded areas, often perching conspicuously on wires, poles, snags, and fences. Kestrels feed mostly on large insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They hover at heights of 10-30 meters then plunge down to capture prey with their talons. Nesting occurs in cavities in trees, buildings, rock crevices, and nest boxes. The female lays 3-7 eggs and does most of the incubation over 28-31 days. The male provides food as the female broods the nestlings. Young fledge at 27-31 days old.

Merlin

The Merlin is a small, compact falcon that breeds in the northern two-thirds of Kentucky, mostly during winter and on migration. It is much less common than the American Kestrel despite the similar size. Merlins are characterized by pointed wings, a medium-length tail with narrow white bands, and streaked underparts. These falcons are found around open habitats like grasslands, wetlands, parks, and agricultural fields. Merlins hunt by flying rapidly low over the ground to flush and pursue bird prey, which they capture midair. They mainly eat small songbirds but also take insects, small mammals, and reptiles. Breeding pairs do not build their own nests. Instead, they utilize old crow or hawk stick nests in trees. The female lays 3-6 eggs that hatch after 28-32 days. The male provides most of the food while the female incubates the eggs and broods the young. Nestlings fledge at around 35 days old.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is the largest accipiter found in Kentucky. It is an uncommon resident and scarce breeder in the state. Northern Goshawks are hefty hawks with broad wings, a long tail, and striking red eyes. Their plumage is bluish-gray above and pale below with fine gray barring. Inhabiting mature deciduous and mixed forests, Northern Goshawks perch quietly before swooping through dense cover to capture birds, mammals, and reptiles as prey. They often nest in large stick nests built high in a deciduous tree, reusing and adding to old nests over successive years. The female lays 2-4 eggs that she incubates while the male provides food. After 28-30 days, the eggs hatch. The young fledge at 35-49 days old. Northern Goshawk populations declined historically due to habitat loss and human persecution but now face threats from climate change.

Additional Common Hawks

Beyond the main species detailed above, there are a few other hawks that may be observed periodically in Kentucky and are worth mentioning:

• Broad-winged Hawk – A small buteo hawk and common breeder in Kentucky’s deciduous forests. It is noted for its highly peaked wings and high-pitched “kee-eee-arr” call.
• Rough-legged Hawk – A large, mostly white-headed buteo that winters in Kentucky but breeds in the Arctic tundra.
• Osprey – A large, fish-eating hawk. Breeding populations are being reintroduced into Western Kentucky through hacking programs.
• Bald Eagle – America’s national symbol, now recovering and breeding again in some Kentucky regions near major rivers and lakes.

Hawk Identification Tips

Identifying hawks takes practice since there are several species with overlapping ranges in Kentucky. Here are some tips for hawk watching and identification:

• Learn the basic shapes and flight styles – long-winged soaring vs short-winged flapping.
• Note key field marks like wing and tail patterns, head shape, etc.
• Get good looks at relative size differences between species.
• Pay attention to habitat, range, and expected breeding/wintering seasons.
• Learn hawk calls and sounds for hidden or flying birds.
• Use bird guides, photos, websites, and expert birders to aid identification.

Hawk Habitats in Kentucky

With its diverse range of ecosystems, Kentucky can support a variety of hawk species in appropriate habitat types. Here are some of the main habitats frequented by hawks in Kentucky:

• Deciduous forests – Mature oak-hickory forests harbor Northern Goshawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, and even nesting Bald Eagles along major rivers.
• Pine-oak woodlands – Drier pine and scrub oak woods provide habitat for Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels.
• Riparian areas – Forests along creeks and rivers are used by Red-shouldered Hawks and Ospreys.
• Wetlands – Marshes, meadows, and grasslands are hunting grounds for Northern Harriers.
• Farmlands – A mix of crop fields, pastures, and woodland edges attract Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels.
• Suburban parks – Cooper’s Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks frequent wooded suburban parks with mature trees for nesting.

Hawk Diet and Hunting

Hawks occupy a critical niche as predators of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here is an overview of the diet and hunting strategies of Kentucky’s common hawks:

Hawk Conservation Status

While many hawk species are thriving, human activity has impacted raptor populations through habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Some hawks of conservation concern in Kentucky include:

• Northern Harrier – Endangered in Kentucky due to wetland habitat loss. Sensitive to human disturbance near nest sites.
• Sharp-shinned Hawk – Uncommon breeder. Vulnerable to forest fragmentation and nest site disturbances.
• Cooper’s Hawk – Recovering from mid-century DDT declines but still uncommon. Sensitive to deforestation.
• Red-shouldered Hawk – Habitat loss makes this woodland species vulnerable. Declining populations in some areas.
• Northern Goshawk – Uncommon resident. Requires extensive mature forests to thrive.
• Osprey – Small breeding population reintroduced through hacking programs. Sensitive to pollutants and habitat loss.

Conclusion

In summary, Kentucky provides essential breeding and migratory habitat for a diverse assemblage of hawks, from wide-ranging red-tailed hawks to reclusive forest-dwelling goshawks. Habitat preservation and protection from excessive human disturbance are key to maintaining healthy raptor populations. Providing nesting platforms, limiting pesticide use, and avoiding habitat fragmentation can help conserve hawks and allow bird enthusiasts to continue observing these magnificent raptors across the Kentucky landscape.