Tennessee’s hawks, like the Red-Tailed and Northern Goshawk shows beauty and help keep nature balanced. Birdwatchers enjoy seeing different species, each with its own traits. In this article we will looks at 10 amazing hawk species in Tennessee and will get to know about their behaviors and homes. Whether you are an expert or just a casual observer, these flying birds captivate everyone.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk, scientifically called Buteo jamaicensis, is a large hunting bird that usually measures 18 to 26 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 56 inches. It can live for more than 10 years in the wild. This hawk is easy to recognize by its reddish-brown tail and light-colored chest. It is very adaptable and lives in many places, but it prefers open fields and forest edges across North America, including Tennessee. In Tennessee, you can often see it flying high in the sky or sitting on fenceposts along roads.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk, known scientifically as Buteo lineatus, is a fascinating hawk commonly seen flying through Tennessee’s forests. It usually measures between 17 to 24 inches in length, with a wingspan up to 43 inches. This bird is easy to recognize due to its bright reddish shoulders, which stand out against its pale belly and patterned chest. These features not only make it visually striking but also help identify it among other hawk species in Tennessee
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk, scientifically known as Accipiter cooperii, is a medium-sized hawk that stands out in Tennessee. It is usually about 14 to 20 inches long, with a wingspan between 28 and 36 inches. Its rounded head and long tail help it fly easily through wooded areas where it lives. The orange markings on its chest make it easy to spot, and its dark gray back highlights its strong build. During courtship, males show off by diving and spiraling in the air to impress females. They build their nests high in trees using sticks and plants, providing safe places for their young.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk, scientifically known as Accipiter striatus, is a small hunting bird found in the skies of Tennessee, living for about 3 to 4 years. It usually measures between 9 to 13 inches long and has a wingspan of up to 24 inches, making it agile and quick. Its most noticeable feature is its short, squared-off tail, which sets it apart from the Cooper’s Hawk, which has a longer and rounder tail. The Sharp-shinned Hawk’s feathers are gray on top with reddish bars on its chest, helping it blend into its forest home. During the breeding season, these hawks build nests high in conifer trees, carefully made from twigs and softer materials.
Broad-Winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk, scientifically know as Buteo platypterus, is a noticeable hawk in Tennessee, with a small size from 14 to 19 inches long and a wingspan of 31 to 38 inches. Its plumage is a mix of brown on the back and light colored underparts with dark streaks, and its wide wings give it a clear shape in the sky. These hawks are skilled flyers and are known for their migration, traveling in large groups called kettles, where hundreds or even thousands of them fly together during their fall journey south.
Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk, scientifically known as Accipiter gentilis, is a large hawk found in Tennessee, known for its striking looks and great skills. These birds are usually 21 to 26 inches long, with a wingspan of 40 to 46 inches. They have gray feathers, white eyebrows, and reddish-orange streaks on their chest, making them easy to recognize. They live in mature forests and woodlands, where they are very protective of their territory and build their nests high in thick trees.
Rough-Legged Hawk
The Rough-Legged Hawk, known scientifically as Buteo lagopus, is a fascinating hunter that amazes birdwatchers and nature lovers. It is about 18 to 24 inches long, with a wingspan of 4 to 5 feet. This hawk shows a striking variety in its feathers, which can range from light to dark patterns. Its special feathering around the legs helps it stay warm in freezing Arctic weather, making it one of the few hawks that spends winters in Tennessee while showing its ability to adapt.
Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier, scientifically known as Circus hudsonius, is a fascinating hunter often seen in Tennessee and other open areas. It is about 17 to 24 inches long, with a wingspan of 38 to 46 inches. Its gray body and white rump make it easy to spot as it glides low over fields. People call it the ‘gray ghost’ because it’s quiet and quick when flying through grasslands to hunt for food. One of the most interesting things about Northern Harriers is how males try to impress females during mating season. They do amazing flights in the air, showing off their speed and skill.
Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s Hawk, scientifically known as Buteo swainsoni, is an amazing hunting bird often seen during its migration. This hawk has a wingspan of about 3 to 4 feet, measures about 19 to 22 inches and It can fly at speeds of up to 40 mph. The Swainson’s Hawk is known for its unique appearance, with a dark chestnut or brown head and lighter feathers on its body, along with noticeable patterns on its underwings.
Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk scientifically known as Buteo regalis, is an impressive bird that can be seen flying over Tennessee’s open areas, with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet and speeds that can reach over 40 mph. It is easy to recognize because of its creamy beige body, reddish-brown underparts, and a white head. The Ferruginous Hawk is not only stunning but also well suited for life in the wild. Its sharp call can be heard across fields as it hunts in grasslands and farmlands.
Conclusion
The 10 amazing hawk species in Tennessee shows the amazing ability and importance of these birds in nature. From the quick Sharp-shinned Hawk to the powerful Ferruginous Hawk, each species plays a special role in their environment. Their excellent hunting skills and different diets show how important they are in controlling populations of smaller animals, helping keep the ecosystem balanced. As we keep learning about and appreciating these incredible birds, it’s important to support efforts that protect their homes and encourage biodiversity. Let’s work together to protect the natural spaces that allow these beautiful birds to thrive for many years.
FAQ’s
What is the most common hawk in Tennessee?
The Red-Shouldered Hawk is a frequent sight in Tennessee throughout the year. It can be found across the Eastern United States, from South-East Canada to Mexico. This hawk has a distinctive brownish head and a pale reddish chest with stripes
What is the bird of prey in Tennessee?
The most commonly sighted birds of prey in Nashville include the Red-tailed Hawk, known for its distinctive reddish tail and sharp eyesight, and the majestic Bald Eagle, America’s national bird, often seen near bodies of water hunting for fish.
Is there a Cooper’s hawk in Tennessee?
The Cooper’s Hawk is an uncommon permanent resident, breeding mainly in Middle and East Tennessee. It is most common during fall migration, from September to October, especially along the eastern mountains. In winter, more northerly nesting birds join Tennessee’s resident population.
Are hawks protected in Tennessee?
The taking, killing and/or illegal possession of hawks, owls, songbirds, endangered species or any other species (i.e., snakes) for which a season is not set is prohibited.
