By Avian Feathers Team
Published July 2025
From coastal cliffs to mountain forests and sweeping plains, Washington is a haven for hawks. Whether you’re birding on a misty morning or watching the skies from your backyard, these raptors might just catch your eye. Some are common, others seasonal or rare—but all are worth a second look.
1. Red-tailed Hawk
One of the most widespread hawks in Washington. You’ll often see them soaring over highways or perched on telephone poles. Their rusty red tails are a dead giveaway. Listen for their raspy screech, often used in movies to represent all raptors.
Size
Length: 18–26 in (45–66 cm)
Wingspan: 43–56 in (110–142 cm)
Weight: 1.5–3.5 lbs (680–1600 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
2. Cooper’s Hawk
A forest flyer built for speed and stealth. These hawks often appear near backyard feeders, chasing after small birds. Their rounded wings and long tails make them agile hunters.
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
Small but fierce. Sharp-shinneds are quick, zipping through woods and shrubs. You’ll know one by its tiny size, square tail, and the rapid burst of energy it brings when darting after prey.
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. Northern Harrier
These slim hawks fly low over open fields, gliding with wings in a “V” shape. Look for their white rump patch and owl-like face. Females are brown, while males are ghostly gray.
Size
Length: 16–20 in (41–52 cm)
Wingspan: 38–48 in (97–122 cm)
Weight: 10–26 oz (290–740 g)
Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
5. Rough-legged Hawk
A winter visitor from the Arctic tundra. These hawks hover in place while hunting and have feathered legs for warmth. Look for them in open country during the colder months.
Size
Length: 18–20 in (46–51 cm)
Wingspan: 52–54 in (132–138 cm)
Weight: 1.5–3.25 lbs (700–1470 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
6. Swainson’s Hawk
More common in eastern Washington during summer. These hawks migrate long distances to South America. They have narrow wings and a contrasting white belly and chest.
Size
Length: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Wingspan: 46–54 in (117–137 cm)
Weight: 1.5–2.5 lbs (680–1130 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
7. Ferruginous Hawk
The largest hawk in North America. Rare but seen in Washington’s arid eastern parts. These hawks are pale with rusty legs and wings. They soar gracefully and hunt from above.
Size
Length: 22–27 in (56–69 cm)
Wingspan: 52–56 in (132–142 cm)
Weight: 2–5 lbs (900–2260 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
8. Broad-winged Hawk
A migratory hawk, rarely seen in Washington. Watch for them in the fall, soaring in large groups called kettles. They have a compact build and a boldly banded tail.
Size
Length: 13–17 in (34–44 cm)
Wingspan: 29–39 in (74–99 cm)
Weight: 9–20 oz (265–560 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
9. Red-shouldered Hawk
More common in the south but slowly expanding into Washington. Their bright rufous chest and black-and-white checked wings stand out. You’ll hear their loud “kee-ahh” calls echo through forests.
Size
Length: 16–24 in (40–61 cm)
Wingspan: 38–42 in (96–107 cm)
Weight: 1.1–1.9 lbs (500–860 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
10. Northern Goshawk
Secretive and powerful. This hawk sticks to dense forests and is tough to spot. Adults are gray with striking red eyes and a white eyebrow stripe. Young birds are brown with streaks.
Size
Length: 20–26 in (51–66 cm)
Wingspan: 40–46 in (102–117 cm)
Weight: 1.4–3.1 lbs (630–1400 g)
Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
11. Zone-tailed Hawk
Looks almost like a Turkey Vulture. Rare in Washington but possible in the southern parts. Its black body and barred tail help it blend in as it glides with its wings raised in a “V.”
Size
Length: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Wingspan: 47–56 in (120–142 cm)
Weight: 1.2–2 lbs (540–900 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo albonotatus
12. Gray Hawk
Extremely rare in Washington. These small hawks are light gray with finely barred chests and bright yellow legs. They’re typically found in the Southwest, but occasional wanderers may appear.
Size
Length: 18–24 in (46–61 cm)
Wingspan: 35–40 in (89–102 cm)
Weight: 0.8–1.3 lbs (370–600 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo plagiatus
Washington’s diverse ecosystems provide an exceptional habitat for a remarkable variety of hawks, making the state a prime destination for raptor enthusiasts. From the ubiquitous Red-tailed Hawk often seen soaring overhead to the elusive Northern Goshawk hidden in dense forests, each species offers a unique glimpse into the world of avian predators. While some, like the Rough-legged Hawk, are seasonal visitors, others, such as the Cooper’s Hawk, might even frequent backyard feeders. This rich assortment of accipiters and buteos underscores the ecological health and varied landscapes of Washington, ensuring that hawk watching remains an exciting and rewarding pursuit for anyone looking to the skies.
Where to Spot Hawks in Washington
Washington’s varied terrains offer numerous opportunities to observe these diverse hawk species:
Red-tailed Hawk: Extremely common and widespread across all of Washington. Look for them soaring over highways, agricultural fields, open country, or perched on telephone poles, lampposts, and tall trees in both rural and suburban areas.
Cooper’s Hawk: Often found in wooded areas, suburban parks, and even backyards, especially near bird feeders where they hunt. They are agile and prefer areas with tree cover.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Similar to Cooper’s Hawks but smaller, they prefer to hunt in dense woods and shrubby areas. They can also be seen zipping through backyards.
Northern Harrier: Look for these distinctive hawks flying low over open fields, marshes, grasslands, and agricultural areas throughout Washington. They are easily identified by their “V” shaped flight profile and white rump patch.
Rough-legged Hawk: A winter migrant, these hawks are spotted in open country, grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields across Washington during the colder months (October-April).
Swainson’s Hawk: Primarily found in eastern Washington’s open grasslands, shrub-steppes, and agricultural lands during the summer breeding season. They are less common in western Washington.
Ferruginous Hawk: Rare but present in Washington’s arid, open grasslands and sagebrush country of eastern Washington. They require large undisturbed areas for hunting.
Broad-winged Hawk: A rare migrant in Washington, typically seen during fall migration (September), often in large “kettles” soaring high overhead. Prime spotting would be in eastern parts, but general sightings are uncommon.
Red-shouldered Hawk: More common in the southern parts of the state and slowly expanding their range. Look for them in wooded lowlands, riparian forests, and swampy woodlands.
Northern Goshawk: These secretive hawks inhabit dense, mature coniferous and mixed forests across mountainous regions of Washington. They are challenging to spot due to their shy nature.
Zone-tailed Hawk: Extremely rare in Washington, with only a few documented sightings. If seen, it would likely be in the southern parts of the state, often soaring with Turkey Vultures over open, arid landscapes.
Gray Hawk: An accidental vagrant in Washington, typically found in the Southwest U.S. Any sighting would be highly unusual and likely occur in open woodlands or riparian areas, but predicting where is impossible due to their extreme rarity.