8 Hawks You Can Spot in
California
By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
Ever looked up and seen a bird soaring overhead, wings stretched wide, and thought, “That’s gotta be a hawk”? California is a hotspot for hawk lovers. from the mountains to the coast, and everywhere in between. These incredible birds of prey are expert hunters, skilled flyers, and always worth a second look.
1. Red-tailed Hawk
This is one of the most common and easiest hawks to spot in California. You’ll often see it perched along highways or circling high above open fields. The reddish tail (when seen from the back or below in good light) is its giveaway feature.
They’re big, powerful, and not too shy about hanging around where people are.
Size
Length: 18–26 inches
Wingspan: 43–55 inches
Weight: 1.5–3.5 pounds
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
2. Cooper's Hawk
Built for speed and agility, the Cooper’s Hawk is a forest flyer and backyard bandit. These hawks are known for chasing birds through trees with amazing twists and turns. You might catch one zipping past your feeder, hoping to score a songbird.
They’re sleek, smart, and a little sneaky.
Size
Size:
Length: 13–20 inches
Wingspan: 24–36 inches
Weight: 8–24 ounces
Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
3. Sharp-shinned Hawk
This is the smallest hawk in California, but don’t let its size fool you. Sharp-shinned Hawks are quick, acrobatic hunters that often swoop through dense trees or backyards in search of small birds.
They look a lot like Cooper’s Hawks but are smaller and a bit more delicate-looking. Birders often mix the two up. it happens to the best of us!
Size
Length: 9–13 inches
Wingspan: 17–27 inches
Weight: 3–8 ounces
Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
4. Red-shouldered Hawk
These striking hawks are forest dwellers with reddish-brown shoulders and loud, echoing calls that often give them away. They like wooded areas and suburbs with tall trees, where they perch quietly until it’s time to strike.
If you hear a loud “kee-ahh” from above, chances are it’s one of these. I’ve seen them hunt squirrels in backyards during winter. bold and focused.
Size
Length: 15–19 inches
Wingspan: 38–42 inches
Weight: 1.1–1.9 pounds
Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
5. Swainson's Hawk
Swainson’s Hawks are summer visitors to California’s Central Valley and grasslands. They have long wings, pale underparts, and a habit of soaring in groups during migration.
These hawks eat everything from rodents to grasshoppers, depending on the season.
In fall, they travel thousands of miles to South America. one of the longest migrations of any raptor.
Size
Length: 18–22 inches
Wingspan: 46–54 inches
Weight: 1.5–3 pounds
Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
6. Ferruginous Hawk
This is the largest hawk in North America, and it looks like royalty with its rusty-colored feathers and snowy chest. Ferruginous Hawks prefer wide-open country. think deserts, prairies, and grasslands.
They hunt mostly on the ground, often chasing after rabbits and ground squirrels. If you see a giant hawk perched low on a fence post, it might just be one.
Size
Length: 20–27 inches
Wingspan: 48–60 inches
Weight: 2–5 pounds
Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
7. Northern Harrier
This hawk is easy to recognize by its owl-like face and white rump patch. Northern Harriers fly low over marshes and fields, gliding with their wings held in a V-shape.
They use both sharp eyesight and keen hearing to locate prey. a rare skill in the hawk world. Watching one hunt is like seeing a feathered ghost skim the ground.
Size
Length: 16–20 inches
Wingspan: 38–48 inches
Weight: 10–26 ounces
Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
8. Rough-legged Hawk
These fluffy-legged hawks only visit California in winter after migrating south from the Arctic. They’re built for the cold, with feathered legs all the way down to their toes.
Rough-legged Hawks love open spaces and often hover in place, scanning for mice and voles. If you see a hawk hanging in the air like a kite, it could be one of these chilly-weather travelers.
Size
Length: 18–20 inches
Wingspan: 52–54 inches
Weight: 1.5–3 pounds
Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
Hawks bring excitement to the skies of California. With their sharp eyes and powerful wings, these raptors rule the open spaces. They soar over forests, deserts, and coastlines. Whether you’re watching a Red-tailed Hawk circling above or spotting a Cooper’s Hawk darting through trees, each sighting is a thrill.
Next time you’re out walking or hiking, take a moment to look up. You might just catch a glimpse of one of these amazing birds in action. Keep your eyes sharp and your binoculars ready. California’s hawks are out there waiting to be seen.
Where to Spot Hawks in California
California’s wide range of habitats makes it one of the best places in the country to watch hawks. From quiet forests to open grasslands and coastal cliffs, these raptors can be found in nearly every corner of the state. Here are some top spots to improve your chances of spotting them:
Point Reyes National Seashore – A great location during fall migration. Look for hawks soaring along the coastline and over grasslands.
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area – Located in the Central Valley, this area is excellent for seeing hawks hunting over open fields.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park – Offers chances to see forest-dwelling hawks like Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Los Padres National Forest – A good spot for spotting Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks in mountainous terrain.
Carrizo Plain National Monument – Wide open grasslands and clear skies make this a perfect place to observe hawks in flight.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve – Known for its rich birdlife and good views of nesting and hunting hawks.
Panoche Valley – A winter hotspot for raptors, including Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – You might see Northern Harriers and other species gliding low over the desert floor.
Which of these hawks have you seen in the wild? Or is there one on your bucket list?
Let us know. and happy hawk watching!