By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
From the city skyline to the quiet woods of the Adirondacks, New York is a great place to spot hawks. Whether they’re perched along highways or soaring above a park, these birds of prey bring a wild beauty to the Empire State.
1. Red-tailed Hawk
This is the most common hawk in New York. With their brick-red tail and piercing eyes, they’re easy to spot perched on telephone poles or soaring in wide circles overhead. They’re highly adaptable and live in both rural and urban settings. You might even see one in Central Park.
Size
Length: 18–26 inches.
Wingspan: 43–55 inches.
Weight: 1.5–3.5 pounds.
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
2. Cooper’s Hawk
These sleek, fast hawks are forest hunters. They zip through trees chasing smaller birds with impressive agility. In cities and suburbs, they often surprise backyard bird feeders. Their steely gray feathers and long tail give them a sharp, refined look.
Size
Length: 14–20 in (35–50 cm)
Wingspan: 24–35 in (62–90 cm)
Weight: 0.5–1.5 lbs (220–680 g)
Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
3. Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in New York. It looks like a miniature version of the Cooper’s Hawk. These quick, nimble birds dart through trees and hunt small birds. Look for them near feeders during migration seasons.
Size
Length: 9–13.5 in (23–34 cm)
Wingspan: 16.5–26.5 in (42–68 cm)
Weight: 3–8 oz (85–220 g)
Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
4. Red-shouldered Hawk
This hawk has bold reddish-orange shoulders and a loud, whistling call. It prefers moist woodlands and river edges, where it hunts small mammals, frogs and snakes. Listen for their repeated “kee-aah” calls echoing through forested areas.
Size
Length: 15–19 in (38–48 cm)
Wingspan: 37–42 in (94–107 cm)
Weight: 1–1.7 lbs (500–775 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
5. Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawks are summer visitors to New York. They nest in forests and migrate in large groups called “kettles.” In fall, they can be seen soaring high on thermals, heading south in great numbers. Their short, broad wings help them glide effortlessly.
Size
Length: 13–17 in (34–44 cm)
Wingspan: 29–39 in (74–100 cm)
Weight: 9–20 oz (265–560 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
6. Northern Harrier
Also called the Marsh Hawk, the Northern Harrier has a distinctive white rump patch and an owl-like face. It flies low over fields and wetlands, tilting side to side as it hunts. Harriers rely on both sight and hearing to find prey.
Size
Length: 16–20 in (41–50 cm)
Wingspan: 38–48 in (97–122 cm)
Weight: 10–26 oz (280–740 g)
Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
7. Rough-legged Hawk
These arctic breeders visit New York in winter. Rough-legged Hawks have feathered legs to stay warm and often hover while hunting. You’ll find them in open areas like fields and marshes. Their flight is buoyant and graceful.
Size
Length: 18–20 in (46–51 cm)
Wingspan: 52–54 in (132–138 cm)
Weight: 1.5–3.25 lbs (700–1500 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
8. Northern Goshawk
Rare and elusive, the Northern Goshawk is a powerful forest hunter. It’s the largest of the Accipiter hawks, with broad wings and a long tail. Goshawks are secretive and prefer deep woods, but a lucky birder might catch a glimpse during winter.
Size
Length: 21–25 in (53–64 cm)
Wingspan: 40–46 in (102–117 cm)
Weight: 1.4–3.1 lbs (630–1400 g)
Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
9. Swainson’s Hawk
This is a rare visitor to New York. Swainson’s Hawks are long-distance migrants, usually seen in the western U.S. Occasionally, they turn up in the East during migration. They have long wings, a dark chest and a pale belly.
Size
Length: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Wingspan: 46–54 in (117–137 cm)
Weight: 1.7–2.5 lbs (770–1100 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
10. Ferruginous Hawk
Extremely rare in New York, the Ferruginous Hawk is mostly found in the western U.S. It’s the largest hawk in North America, with rusty-colored legs and back. Birders keep their eyes peeled for rare sightings during migration.
Size
Length: 22–27 in (56–69 cm)
Wingspan: 52–60 in (132–152 cm)
Weight: 2–5 lbs (900–2300 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
New York’s diverse habitats provide a remarkable stage for observing a variety of hawk species. From the ubiquitous Red-tailed Hawk, a common sight even in urban centers, to the more specialized forest dwellers like the Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, the state offers rich birdwatching opportunities. Seasonal visitors such as the Broad-winged and Rough-legged Hawks further enhance the avian landscape, while rare sightings of species like the Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks underscore the dynamic nature of bird migration. These magnificent raptors, whether common residents or fleeting visitors, consistently add a thrilling dimension to New York’s natural environment.
Where to Spot Hawks in New York
From the city skyline to the quiet woods of the Adirondacks, New York is a great place to spot hawks. Whether they’re perched along highways or soaring above a park, these birds of prey bring a wild beauty to the Empire State.
- Red-tailed Hawk. This is the most common hawk. Look for them perched on telephone poles or soaring overhead in both rural and urban settings, including Central Park.
- Cooper’s Hawk. These forest hunters are often seen zipping through trees or surprising backyard bird feeders in cities and suburbs.
- Sharp-shinned Hawk. The smallest hawk. Look for these quick, nimble birds darting through trees near feeders, especially during migration seasons.
- Red-shouldered Hawk. Prefers moist woodlands and river edges. Listen for their loud, whistling “kee-aah” calls echoing through forested areas.
- Broad-winged Hawk. Summer visitors. In fall, look for them soaring high on thermals in large groups called “kettles” as they migrate south.
- Northern Harrier. Flies low over fields and wetlands. Look for its distinctive white rump patch and owl-like face.
- Rough-legged Hawk. These arctic breeders visit New York in winter. You’ll find them in open areas like fields and marshes, often hovering while hunting.
- Northern Goshawk. Rare and elusive. This powerful forest hunter prefers deep woods, though a lucky birder might glimpse one during winter.
- Swainson’s Hawk. A rare visitor, usually seen in the western U.S. Occasionally, they turn up in the East during migration.
- Ferruginous Hawk. Extremely rare in New York, mostly found in the western U.S. Birders keep their eyes peeled for very rare sightings during migration.
Which hawk have you seen soaring over New York skies? Let us know your favorite.