Hawks in Virginia: A Visual Guide

2 min read 02-01-2025

Virginia, with its diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, provides habitat for a variety of hawk species. Identifying these birds of prey can be challenging, even for experienced birders, due to their similar appearances. This visual guide aims to simplify the process, focusing on key features to distinguish some of the most commonly sighted hawks in the Commonwealth.

Common Virginia Hawks: Key Identification Features

This guide focuses on several frequently observed hawk species in Virginia. Remember that individual variations exist, and field identification can be difficult at times. Binoculars and a field guide are recommended for accurate identification.

1. Red-tailed Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis)

Size and Shape: Large hawk, broad wings, and a relatively short, broad tail.
Coloration: Highly variable; adults generally have reddish-brown tails, though juveniles lack this distinctive coloration. The breast is often streaked, and the back is dark brown.
Flight: Soaring flight is common, often with wings held flat.
Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats, from open fields to forests.

2. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Size and Shape: Medium-sized hawk with broad wings and a relatively short tail.
Coloration: Distinctive reddish-brown shoulders and a heavily barred breast. The tail has dark bars.
Flight: Typically soars with wings held in a shallow dihedral (slightly angled upwards).
Habitat: Prefers wooded areas, near water sources.

3. Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Size and Shape: Medium-sized, long-tailed hawk with short, rounded wings. More streamlined appearance compared to Buteo hawks.
Coloration: Dark gray above, with reddish-brown barring on the breast.
Flight: Fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats. Often seen pursuing prey through forests.
Habitat: Primarily found in wooded areas.

4. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Size and Shape: Smallest accipiter hawk in North America, characterized by short, rounded wings and a long tail.
Coloration: Similar coloration to the Cooper's Hawk, but significantly smaller in size. Adults are dark grayish-blue above.
Flight: Rapid, agile flight, similar to the Cooper's Hawk. Often seen chasing small birds.
Habitat: Found in wooded areas, similar to Cooper's Hawks.

Distinguishing Key Features: A Summary

Feature	Red-tailed Hawk	Red-shouldered Hawk	Cooper's Hawk	Sharp-shinned Hawk
Size	Large	Medium	Medium	Small
Tail Shape	Broad, relatively short	Broad, relatively short	Long, narrow	Long, narrow
Wing Shape	Broad	Broad	Short, rounded	Short, rounded
Shoulder Color	No distinctive color	Reddish-brown	No distinctive color	No distinctive color
Breast	Streaked	Heavily barred	Reddish-brown barred	Dark gray/brown barred
Flight Style	Soaring	Soaring, shallow dihedral	Fast, direct	Fast, direct

Further Resources

For a more comprehensive understanding of Virginia's hawk species, consult a detailed field guide specific to North American birds. Remember to always practice responsible birdwatching and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.