Hawks in Tennessee

Tennessee is ripe with biodiversity, with habitats ranging from vast wetlands to rolling hills and dense forests. Many species of birds of prey call Tennessee home, including hawks.

From the majestic Red-Tailed Hawk to the more elusive Cooper’s Hawk, hawks are a natural part of the Tennessee landscape. While some species of hawks are rarer than others, all of them play an important role in the ecosystem and contribute to the state’s natural beauty.

I will explore the various species of hawks found in Tennessee, their habitats, and their behaviors. We will also discuss the importance of the conservation of these species as well as ways that Tennesseans can help protect these iconic birds.

Some Distinct Species Of Hawks In Tennessee

Tennessee is home to nine species of hawks, each occupying habitats throughout the state. Each species has distinct physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats, making them among the region’s most interesting and diverse birds of prey.

Red-shouldered Hawk

These hawks are easily identified by their rust-colored shoulders, streaks on their breast, and barred tails. Red-shouldered hawks are typically spotted in wooded areas, such as forests and woodlands.

In Tennessee, they can be found in the eastern half of the state, as well as in the western half of the state in the Cumberland Plateau. During the summer, they can be seen hunting and nesting in the trees.

Expected Life Span: 20 years on average

Length:       17-24 inches

Wingspan:  37-43 inches

Weight:       550-700 gm

Diet:            Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles

Red-tailed Hawk

The majestic Red-tailed Hawk is a common sight in Tennessee. It is a large bird of prey with a wide wingspan and striking reddish-brown tail feathers. Red-tailed Hawks are often seen soaring high above the Tennessee landscape, looking for food.

Red-tailed Hawks have adapted to a variety of habitats in Tennessee, from farmlands to grasslands and even in urban areas. They are also commonly seen in woodlands.

Expected Life Span: 10-15 years

Length:       17.7-25.5 inches

Wingspan:  44.9-52.4 inches

Weight:       690-1300 gm

Diet:            Small mammals, birds, reptiles

Broad-winged Hawk

In Tennessee, the Broad-winged Hawk can be found in open woodlands, wooded wetlands, and other areas with a high concentration of trees. They often perch on snags or the tops of dead trees.

This hawk has a distinctive appearance with a chocolate-brown body and a black-banded tail. Its wings are broad, and its chest is marked with a black chevron. They migrate south to spend the winter in Central and South America.

Expected Life Span: Up to 12 years

Length:       13-17 inches

Wingspan:  31-39 inches

Weight:       250-561 gm

Diet:            Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects

Cooper’s Hawk

These birds are found in deciduous and coniferous forests along open fields and grasslands. Cooper’s Hawks are known for their distinctively long tails and broad wings, which help them maneuver through the air with great agility and speed.

They are recognizable for their dark brown upper parts, lighter brown underparts, and barred tails. Cooper’s Hawks can be found in Tennessee from late winter to late fall.

Expected Life Span: Up to 12 years

Length:       14-20 inches

Wingspan:  24.4-35.4 inches

Weight:       220-680 gm

Diet:            Small birds, squirrels, mice

Sharp-shinned Hawk

The glorious Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a species of small bird of prey native to Tennessee. It is a migratory species, breeding in North America’s temperate and boreal forests and wintering in the southern United States, Central America, and northern South America.

It is a large Accipiter and is the smallest hawk in the genus. It has a long tail, a small bill, and short, rounded wings. Its plumage is typically gray above and white below, with red barring on the sides and flanks.

Expected Life Span: 3 years on average

Length:       9.5-13.5 inches

Wingspan:  17-23 inches

Weight:       82-220 gm

Diet:             Robins, thrushes, sparrows

Rough-legged Hawk

It is an interesting species to observe during the winter months in Tennessee since they migrate south from their northern breeding grounds during the winter months. Rough-legged Hawks can be found in a variety of habitats in Tennessee, ranging from open fields, coastlines and woodlands.

During the winter months, these hawks can often be seen soaring high in the sky, searching for rodents, their primary prey. Their pale brown bodies and distinct wing markings make them easy to identify from a distance.

Expected Life Span: Up to 18 years

Length:       18-24 inches

Wingspan:  52-54 inches

Weight:       715-1400 gm

Diet:            Small rodents, lemmings, and voles

Swainson’s Hawk

The Majestic Swainson’s Hawk is an iconic species of Buteo found in Tennessee. It is a medium-sized hawk that is known for its distinctive flight pattern and unmistakable call.

They prefer to nest in isolated woodlands, often near water sources. Swainson’s Hawks have a loud, distinct call, and they are most easily seen soaring and hovering in search of food.

Expected Life Span: 16-19 years

Length:       18-22 inches

Wingspan:  46-54 inches

Weight:       690-1367 gm

Diet:            Rabbits rodents, reptiles

Ferruginous Hawk

This large, majestic bird of prey prefers open habitats such as prairies, grasslands, and desert scrub. In Tennessee, the Ferruginous Hawk can be seen soaring high above the open fields and woodlands, searching for its next meal. The Ferruginous Hawk is a large and impressive bird of prey that can be found in Tennessee.

It is characterized by its broad wings and tail, which are usually brown in color with a rusty hue. The bird has a heavily streaked, white head and chest, and its back is usually a dark reddish-brown. It has a white patch on the underside of the wings and a yellow beak. Its long legs and feet are yellow.

Expected Life Span: Up to 20 years

Length:       20-26 inches

Wingspan:  53-60 inches

Weight:       970-2070 gm

Diet:            Ground squirrels, young jackrabbits, mice

Northern Goshawk

These species are large, powerful hawks that can be found in mature coniferous and mixed forests. The Northern Goshawk is a diurnal hunter, using surprise attacks to swoop down on its unsuspecting prey. Its diet consists primarily of rodents but will also take birds, reptiles, and occasionally small mammals.

The Northern Goshawk is typically soaring over its territory, searching for food and defending its nest. It also uses its sharp talons to pluck prey from the ground.

Expected Life Span: Up to 6 years

Length:       20-26 inches

Wingspan:  38-46 inches

Weight:       630-1360 gm

Diet:            Birds, small mammals

Different Characteristics Of A Hawk And An Eagle

The hawk and the eagle are two birds belonging to the same family and share many similarities, but some key differences set them apart. Hawks and eagles are both raptors, which means they are predatory birds that hunt for their food. Both birds have hooked beaks, sharp talons, and powerful wings that allow them to fly and capture prey.

However, there are some notable differences between the two species. Hawks tend to have rounded wings and short tails, while eagles have longer wings and tails that taper off to a point. Hawks typically have more varied color patterns compared to eagles, which often have a uniform coloration.

Hawks typically have rounded heads, while eagles have larger, more distinctive heads with prominent, hooked beaks. Hawks also have relatively short legs and talons, while eagles have longer legs and talons that are larger and more powerful. In terms of size, hawks are usually smaller than eagles.

What Are The Distinguishing Factors Of Hawks And Falcons?

Hawks and falcons are two closely related birds of prey with many distinguishing features. Hawks tend to be smaller and have broader wings, while falcons are generally larger and have more pointed wings.

Falcons typically have a more streamlined shape and can dive at high speeds to catch their prey. Hawks usually soar more slowly and use their broad wings to maneuver and remain in the air.

Hawks typically have short and broad beaks, while falcons tend to have longer and more pointed beaks that are well-suited for catching and tearing prey. Hawks have shorter, more rounded tails than falcons, with longer, more pointed tails. Hawks also generally have shorter legs and shorter toes than falcons.

Hawks also tend to have louder vocalizations than falcons, and their call is usually a series of caws or barking sounds. Falcons, on the other hand, are known for their piercing, high-pitched shrieks.

The Value Of Preserving Hawks In Tennessee

Hawks play an essential role in Tennessee’s ecosystem and are an important part of the state’s natural heritage. Therefore, it is important to conserve and protect these raptors and their habitats. Hawks provide a variety of benefits to Tennessee’s environment and people.

Controlling Pests

The conservation of hawks in Tennessee is of utmost importance, as they serve a vital role in the environment. Hawks help to control pests and insects. By preying on these pests, hawks help to keep these populations in check. The presence of hawks can also limit the need for chemical pesticide use and reduce the costs related to pesticide applications.

Providing Natural Recreation

Hawks are an important part of the state’s natural environment and provide a unique recreational opportunity for residents and visitors alike. Watching hawks in the wild is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, providing a connection to nature that is especially beneficial for those unable to access other outdoor activities or who may not have the time to do so.

By preserving their natural habitats and protecting the hawks, Tennessee can ensure that this activity remains a part of their culture for years.

Balance Food Chain

The conservation of hawks in Tennessee is important due to its role in maintaining a healthy and balanced food chain. Hawks are top predators, so their presence affects the populations of their prey species and other animals in the food chain.

What Types of Hawks Are Found in Tennessee?

Tennessee is home to several types of hawks. Hunting habits and conservation of Mississippi hawks play a crucial role in maintaining their population. The Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, and the sharp-shinned hawk are frequently spotted in the state. These beautiful birds of prey contribute to the ecological balance while captivating birdwatchers across Tennessee.

Nine Varieties Of Hawks In Tennessee

Conclusion

Tennessee is a great place to observe the majestic creatures of the hawk family. Whether you’re looking to spot a Red-tailed Hawk soaring through the sky or a Cooper’s Hawk hunting in the trees, you can find a variety of hawks in the state. With the right binoculars, patience, and luck, you can observe these birds as they navigate the skies over Tennessee.

Hawks are a unique species in Tennessee and a joy to watch in their natural habitat. It is important to continue to spread awareness about hawks and the threats they face and to engage in activities that can help protect their population. With the help of conservation efforts, the number of hawks thriving in Tennessee will only continue to grow.