Delaware’s Diverse Hawk Squad: Hawks of Delaware

Delaware may be the second smallest state in the United States, but it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife. As Spring arrives, many hawks can be observed flying over Delaware on their way North, having spent their Winter months in Central and South America.

Some of the more common hawks that can be seen in Delaware include the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk. In Delaware, the American Goldfinch is one of the common birds, whereas the Cooper’s Hawk is the most widely seen hawk in the region.

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its rounded head, lengthy tail, and broad wings. These birds are commonly found in wooded areas and feed primarily on small birds and mammals.

Delaware Is The Habitat Of Eight Varieties Of Hawks

This state is home to eight different varieties of hawks. These hawks have adapted to a variety of habitats in the state, including wooded areas, wetlands, grasslands, and coastlines. Each species has its unique characteristics, behavior, and diet.

Cooper’s Hawk

This is an impressive bird of prey that has been sighted in Delaware. It is a medium-sized hawk with a rounded tail, reddish-brown head, and distinctive white stripes along its wings. Cooper’s Hawks are found in wooded areas throughout Delaware and are most active during the day.

They are incredibly agile and swift, regularly soaring through the air to catch their prey. They build their nests in tall trees and will typically return to the same nesting sites year after year.

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 majestic Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small species of hawk found in Delaware. This species is a permanent resident of the state, though northern populations may migrate short distances to more temperate climates during the winter.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small bird of prey and is easily identified by its sharply pointed wings and long, thin tail. It typically prefers wooded areas, often near water, and is most commonly seen flying low over the tops of trees or hunting from a perch.

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

Red-tailed Hawk

The glorius Red-tailed Hawk is a common and beloved bird of prey found in Delaware. It is the most widespread species of hawk in North America and is found in various habitats, from fields and meadows to woodlands and forests.

The Red-tailed Hawk is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to four feet. It has a distinctive rusty-red tail, a barred chest, and a white throat and belly.

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

It is a raptor that may be spotted in the state of Delaware. It is a medium-sized hawk and can typically be identified by its short, broad wings and short tail. The Broad-winged Hawk can be seen in Delaware from spring through late summer and is a frequent visitor to the state.

These birds typically nest in old-growth forests but can also be found in second-growth forests and open areas. During their migration season, they can be seen in large flocks along ridgelines and other areas with high vantage points.

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

The bird is known for its distinctive red-shoulder patches, usually the first thing one notices when spotting a red-shouldered hawk. The species has adapted to living in various habitats, from forests to wetlands to open fields.

In Delaware, the Red-shouldered Hawk can be found in the state’s freshwater marshes and wooded areas. Additionally, the Red-shouldered Hawk generally nests in trees.

Expected Life Span: The oldest Red-shouldered Hawk was alive for 19 years and 11 months, but in the wild, 2 years on average.

Length:       17-24 inches

Wingspan:  37-43 inches

Weight:       550-700 gm

Diet:            Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles

Northern Harrier

The uncommon Northern Harrier is a species of hawk that can be found in Delaware. This species of hawk is part of the genus Circus and is sometimes referred to as the marsh hawk. The Northern Harrier can be found in various habitats, including marshes, meadows, grasslands, and open fields.

The Northern Harrier has a gray-brown back, a white underside, and a distinctly shaped head with a long tail.

Expected Life Span: 16 years

Length:       18.1-19.7 inches

Wingspan:  40.2-46.5 inches

Weight:       300-750 gm

Diet:            Small birds, rodents, reptiles

Rough-legged Hawk

It is a migratory species and can be seen in the state from late fall to late winter. These hawks are easily recognizable with their distinctive plumage, including a dark head and upper parts and pale underparts with dark streaks. They have long, yellow legs and a long, banded tail.

The Rough-legged Hawk hunts in open fields, grasslands, and other open spaces, seeking small mammals and other small prey. It is a large species and can be seen soaring in the sky above or perched on telephone poles and fence posts. They are a welcome sight in Delaware during the winter months.

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

Northern Goshawk

The majestic Northern Goshawk is a large and powerful species of hawk native to Delaware and the surrounding region. This majestic bird of prey can often be seen soaring through the skies or perched atop tall trees. Its characteristic call is loud and distinct and can be heard echoing through forests and fields.

These hawks usually nest in trees, building bulky nests of sticks and twigs. Females typically initiate reproduction during the onset of spring, laying up to five eggs in a single clutch.

Expected Life Span: Up to 6 years

Length:       20-26 inches

Wingspan:  38-46 inches

Weight:       630-1360 gm

Diet:            Birds, small mammals

Birds Of Prey In Delaware

Delaware is home to numerous species of birds of prey, making it an ideal destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. From the iconic bald eagle to hawks, Osprey, and owls, many of these majestic creatures can be seen soaring above the state’s varied landscapes.

The bald eagle, with its impressive wingspan and unmistakable white head, is a common sight in Delaware, especially around Delaware Bay and its many estuaries. Red-tailed hawks, with their characteristic reddish-brown tails and mottled feathers, are also commonly seen in the state, often making their home in wooded areas and fields.

The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife routinely monitors avian raptor species’ populations and habitat levels across the state. Bird watching is ideal for engaging with nature and appreciating the diverse wildlife present.

What Factors Distinguish A Hawk From Other Birds Of Prey?

Hawks are distinguished from other birds of prey by their unique physical characteristics, as well as their hunting techniques.

Larger Physique

On the physical side, hawks are typically larger than other birds of prey, with longer and broader wings and a more robust body structure. A distinct facial disc, the region around the base of the beak, also characterizes the species.

Stronger Talons

Hawks have talons that are thicker and more curved than those of other birds of prey. In terms of hunting techniques, hawks are more agile and aggressive than other birds of prey. They typically hunt by flying and hovering over their prey before diving and snatching it with their powerful talons.

Sharper Eyesight

Hawks have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot prey from a great distance. They also have a hovering flight pattern, which allows them to survey the area for prey from an ideal vantage point. Hawks also have various vocalizations, including a shrill whistle, which is used for communication and warning off other birds of prey.

What Types of Hawks Can Be Found in Delaware?

Delaware is home to a diverse range of hawks, such as the red-tailed hawk and the Cooper’s hawk. These majestic birds can be spotted throughout the state soaring through the skies, hunting for prey. The presence of these hawks in Delaware adds to the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of the region. Unlike hawks in South Carolina, Delaware’s hawks have adapted to the local environment and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Some Hawks Of Delaware

Conclusion

Delaware is a haven for hawk species, with eight species recorded in the state. Hawks are well-adapted predators with large eyes and ears, sharp talons, and powerful wings that allow them to soar through the sky.

They are important components of the ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of nature by controlling populations of small animals.

Hawks are also a joy to observe, so if you’re in Delaware, take some time to look up in the sky and see if you can spot one of the eight species of hawks living in the state. With hawks ranging from the small Sharp-shinned Hawk to the large Red-Tailed Hawk, Delaware provides a unique habitat for these animals to thrive.