14 CALIFORNIA HAWKS :Guardians of the Golden State Skies

Introduction to California hawks

A remarkable variety of native creatures may be found throughout the enormous breadth of California’s different environments, from its sun-kissed beaches to its towering mountains. Among these residents are the magnificent California Condor and the famous Leatherback Sea Turtle, whose amazing survival stories never cease to astound.

• Predatory birds like the California Condor and Leatherback Sea Turtle, though not hawks themselves, symbolize the resilience of California’s environment.
• California boasts eleven distinct species of hawks, contributing to the state’s rich diversity of raptors.
• These hawks, with their keen eyesight and formidable hunting skills, inhabit various habitats including oak woodlands, grassy plains, and urban areas.
• Identifying these hawks amidst California’s vast landscapes is an exciting challenge for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
• Each hawk species offers a unique insight into the intricate web of life in California, whether soaring high above the coastline or perched quietly in urban settings.

Come along as we explore the habitats, habits, and unique traits of California’s hawks in an effort to unlock their mysteries. Let’s go on an excursion of California’s avian wonders, from the well-known vistas along our freeways to the undiscovered treasures tucked away within our natural reserves.

So grab your binoculars and prepare to soar as we explore the mystery of California’s hawks!

Common Vs Rare California hawks

1.Sharp-Shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk, sometimes referred to as the Sharpie by many, is a tiny hawk that can be found in much of the Americas. The male of this species is the smallest hawk in the United States and Canada, up to 30% smaller than females of the same species.

• Sharp-shinned Hawk favors small birds as a primary food source, though it consumes various small prey.
• Largest prey recorded: 1.2-pound Ruffed Grouse.
• Adaptable diet includes house mice and dragonflies.
• Physical features: round wings, long rectangular tail; blue-gray upperparts, orange-striped underparts, dark-banded tail in adults.
• Juveniles: pale underparts with broad brown streaks, dark brown upperparts; females larger than males.
• Flight characterized by short glides and rapid wingbeats.
• Less prominent head in flight compared to Cooper’s Hawk; square-tipped tail.
• Hunts birds resembling warblers, vireos, and sparrows, ensnaring them in foliage.
• Nests high in conifers, constructing large, heavy stick nests.
• Habitat spans forested areas across Alaska, Canada, US, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean, and sections of Mexico.

Key Identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Small hawk with rounded wings and a long, rectangular tail.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on small birds in woodland habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds bulky stick nest high in a conifer.
Vocalization	Usually quiet but on breeding grounds makes falcon-like, repeated ringing calls “kew kew kew kew kew kew kew kew”.

2. Cooper’s Hawk

One of the biggest hawk species in North America, the Cooper’s Hawk is unique in that it can catch larger prey than most of its contemporaries. It has gained the nicknames “chicken hawk” and “hen hawk” for its propensity to prey on domestic poultry when the chance presents itself. It is well-known for its ability to snatch larger quarry.

• Found commonly throughout California, particularly in temperate deciduous forests, often seen along roadsides or perched atop utility poles.
• Despite being migratory, some Cooper’s Hawks remain in certain areas of the state year-round.
• Characterized by a fair size, long rounded tail, and blocky, square-shaped head; adults exhibit blue-gray plumage above and orange barring below, with females typically larger.
• Common features include a dark cap, pale grayish face and neck, and tail banding.
• Juveniles display dark brown plumage above, paler heads, and fine dark streaks on pale underparts.
• In flight, they utilize rounded wings for deep flaps followed by glides.
• Diet mainly consists of medium-sized birds like doves and small mammals, often captured on the ground or at feeders.
• Nesting high in trees with bulky stick nests, frequently found in parks.
• Habitat spans various wooded and semi-wooded regions across southern Canada, the majority of the USA (including California), and parts of Mexico.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Fair-sized hawk with blue-gray plumage above, orange barring below, and a long rounded tail.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on small mammals, starlings, and dove-sized birds in woodlands, parks, and towns.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky stick nest high in a tree.
Vocalization	Usually quiet but emits a loud barking call, “kek kek kek kek kek!” during breeding season.

3. Northern Goshawk

For those who are lucky enough to see it, the spectacular and secretive Northern Goshawk is a source of great delight. Usually solitary and fiercely protective of their territory, these nimble raptors are excellent flyers, with their long tails providing stability in close quarters during pursuits.

Hunting is quick, usually taking no more than fifteen minutes, though breeding pairs have been seen hunting together.

• Adept predators, Northern Goshawks prey on smaller birds and mammals like voles and rats, but also take larger prey such as pheasants, hares, and even spiny porcupines, occasionally scavenging carrion like already-deceased sheep and goats.
• Exhibiting a robust build with a long banded tail and rounded wings, adults feature gray plumage above, white below with fine gray barring, a dark cap and cheek, red eyes, and a white eyebrow, with females notably larger.
• Juveniles display dark brown plumage with pale spotting, a pale eyebrow, uneven tail bands, and heavily streaked underparts.
• In flight, they employ a pattern of deep flaps followed by long glides.
• Their diet primarily consists of squirrels, small mammals, grouse, woodpeckers, and various mid-sized birds, captured either on the ground or snatched swiftly from vegetation.
• Nesting in bulky stick nests atop trees, Northern Goshawks inhabit coniferous and other wild wooded habitats across Alaska, Canada, parts of the northern and western USA (including California), and northern Mexico in North America.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Hefty, long-tailed hawk with gray plumage or brown, streaked plumage, and a white eyebrow.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on fair-sized birds and mammals in coniferous forest habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky, stick nest high in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes a repeated call, “kip kip kip kip kip kip kip kip kip kip kip kip”.

4. Red-shouldered Hawk

One of the most common hawk species in North America, the Red-Shouldered Hawk is frequently sighted along the California coast. These hawks are preferred by both farmers and homeowners because of their important role in naturally decreasing tiny rodent populations.

• Despite their usefulness, Red-Shouldered Hawks face displacement by their more aggressive relative, the Red-tailed Hawk.
• Distinguished by rust-colored shoulders, they possess a slender build and lack the Red-tail’s pale underside.
• Medium-sized with reddish-orange underparts and shoulders, and black and white wings and tail, females are typically larger.
• Juveniles feature brown upperparts with dark streaks on pale underparts.
• In flight, they display a longish, black and white tail and long wings with a pale crescent-shaped pattern near the tip.
• Predominantly feeding on small animals, they hunt by perching and swooping down.
• These hawks build bulky stick nests high in trees, often near wetlands.
• Found in various woodland habitats across southeastern Canada, the eastern USA (including California, southeastern Oregon), and Baja California, Mexico, Red-Shouldered Hawks contribute to the diverse avian landscape of these regions.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Medium-sized, colorful hawk with reddish-orange underparts and shoulder, and black and white upperparts and tail.
Feeding Behavior	Forages for snakes and other small animals on the ground in woodland habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky stick nest high in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes loud, jay-like, ringing calls, “keer keer keer keer keer!”

5. Broad-winged Hawk

The name of this relatively small species of hawk comes from its characteristically broad wings, which even those who are not familiar with hawk identification may quickly recognize. This species distinguishes out due to its dark brown upper half and bright pale undersides with brown bars that are visible in flight.

• During migration, Broad-winged Hawks form large flocks known as kettles, numbering in the thousands.
• Sized similar to a crow, adults have dark brown plumage above, dark reddish-brown barring below, and a broad tail with white bands.
• Both sexes have a thick dark mark on each side of their throat, with females larger.
• Juveniles display dark brown streaks on pale underparts.
• In flight, they soar with broad black and white tails and long, tapered wings with a dark trailing edge.
• They prey on voles, frogs, insects, and other small animals by perching and swiftly swooping down.
• Building bulky stick nests high in trees, they breed in forest habitats across central and southeastern Canada and much of the eastern USA, wintering in southern Florida and Mexico south to Bolivia.
• While rare in California, sightings of Broad-winged Hawks are still possible, adding to their allure.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Chunky, smallish, crow-sized hawk with a few white bands on its tail and underparts with brown barring or streaks.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on insects and small animals in woodland habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky nest high in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes a high-pitched call, “sipeeeeeeeee”.

6. Swainson’s Hawk

In addition to its beauty, farmers value the Swainson’s Hawk for its indispensable role in pest management. Often called the locust hawk or grasshopper hawk because of its voracious hunger for insects, especially grasshoppers, these birds are not permanent residents in California but can be seen in the breeding season.

• Preferring open, dry habitats like prairies, pastures, and deserts, Swainson’s Hawks prey on insects and small mammals.
• They also hunt ground squirrels and occasionally larger prey like mallard ducks and grouse.
• Sporting dark-brown upperparts, long pointed wings, and a broad tail with fine dark barring, both males and females resemble each other, with females being larger.
• Adults may have white throats, fronts, and wing linings, or entirely dark brown plumage, while juveniles display dark markings on pale underparts.
• Employing a hunting strategy of soaring and swooping down, they catch prey on the ground.
• Swainson’s Hawks build bulky stick nests in trees, typically breeding in open habitats across central and western Canada and the USA, including California, and wintering in Argentina and sometimes southern Florida.

Key Identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Large, long-winged hawk with dark flight feathers and a broad tail with fine dark banding and a dark tip.
Feeding Behavior	Feeds on insects and small animals in prairies and other open habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky stick nest in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes a loud, descending, single note, “eeeah!”.

7. Red-tailed Hawk

The most common hawk species in North America is the Red-tailed Hawk, which is frequently thought of as the archetypal hawk. Known for its distinctive screeches, which are frequently featured in films, and colloquially referred to as a “chickenhawk,” this species is essential in managing invading populations, especially those of European starlings.

• Red-tailed Hawks feed on small rodents and invasive species like starlings, serving as essential predators in various ecosystems.
• They have dark brown upperparts, broad reddish tails, and long wings, with females larger than males.
• Eastern birds have pale underparts with dark belly marks, while western birds may have darker or reddish-brown hues below.
• Young birds have brown tails with dark barring.
• In flight, all Red-tailed Hawks show a large pale area near the tips of their wings.
• They hunt by swooping down from perches or soaring flight, capturing prey such as squirrels, rats, snakes, and birds.
• Red-tailed Hawks build messy stick nests high in trees or on building ledges.
• Found across Alaska, the USA, much of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Large, hefty hawk with a reddish tail and dark marks on its pale belly.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on small mammals, snakes, and birds.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky stick nest high in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes loud, jay-like, ringing calls, “keeeyah!”.

8. Rough-legged Hawk

The Rough-legged Hawk, also called the Rough-legged Buzzard in Europe, is a huge, unusual bird that can hover in the air—a rare ability for a hawk to possess. They may be distinguished despite color differences by their long, white tail feathers with dark bands.

• Primarily inhabiting cold tundra habitats, Rough-legged Hawks migrate to warmer areas in winter, including California.
• They have long wings and a black and white tail, displaying two color morphs: pale gray-brown for females and juveniles, and predominantly dark brown for males and juveniles.
• In flight, they hold their wings in a shallow “V” shape, soaring or hovering over open fields to prey on small animals.
• They build bulky nests on cliffs or rocky outcroppings.
• Breeding in tundra regions of Alaska, northern Canada, and northern Eurasia, they winter in open fields across southern Canada, the northern, central, and western USA, Europe, and Asia.

Key identification

Feature	Description
Physical Characteristics	Big hawk with a longish black and white tail, and long wings with broad white patches near the dark wing tips.
Feeding Behavior	Preys on rodents and other small animals in wide open habitats.
Nesting Habits	Builds a big, bulky nest on cliffs and rocky outcroppings in tundra.
Vocalization	Makes a loud, clear descending call, “reeaaaauh!”.

9. Ferruginous Hawk

With few natural predators, the ferruginous hawk, the largest member of the Buteo genus of hawks in North America, is a formidable avian presence. This hawk has both light and dark morphs, with the light morphs having red upper bodies and the dark morphs having dark brown or black colors. Its cry is sharp and sounds like gull calls.

• Males and females lack differing coloration, but females are notably larger.
• Exhibits two distinct color morphs: white below with red-brown wing linings for adults, and dark brown with a pale tail and flight feathers for dark morphs.
• Juveniles appear paler below.
• In flight, displays visible pale primary patches on wings.
• Primarily preys on prairie dogs and mammals, occasionally catching waterfowl.
• Nests in big, bulky stick nests in trees or structures.
• Thrives in wide-open habitats across Canada, the western USA, and northern Mexico, including California.

Key identification

Characteristic	Description
Size	Big hawk with pale or dark plumage.
Wings and Tail	Long wings and a pale tail.
Prey	Preys on prairie dogs, other mammals, and occasionally waterfowl in wide open habitats.
Nest	Constructs a big and bulky stick nest typically in an isolated tree or other structure.
Call	Makes a hoarse, descending call, “reeaaaauh!”.

10. Zone-tailed Hawk

With its striking black plumage, which contrasts strongly with other hawks’ characteristic browns, rusts, and grays, the Zone-tailed Hawk stands out among its peers. Its cheery yellow cere and legs further enhance its unusual appearance, as do its wings, which are banded with lighter gray and sparkle in the sunlight with bright silver stripes.

• Resembling the Turkey Vulture in flight, it hunts live prey like small birds, mammals, and lizards.
• Females are larger, with long wings and a black and white tail.
• They build stick nests high in trees or on cliffs.
• Found in shrubby and forested habitats from the American southwest to Bolivia, encountering a Zone-tailed Hawk is memorable.

Key identification

Characteristic	Description
Appearance	Black, slender raptor with long wings and a longish, black and white tail.
Hunting Behavior	Catches birds and other small animals on the ground and in the tops of bushes and trees.
Nesting Habit	Builds a stick nest on a cliff or in a tall tree.
Vocalization	Makes a long, drawn out, somewhat hoarse, “reeeeyah!”.

11. Harris’s Hawk

The striking Harris’s Hawk, with its striking rust-colored shoulders and rich brown upper body, is one of the hawk species that is simplest for novices to recognize. It is regarded as one of the smartest hawk species, and it is notable for hunting in small groups, which is unusual for predatory birds.

• Harris’s Hawks are popular in falconry due to their social nature and are found year-round in California’s woodlands and semi-desert habitats.
• They are easily identifiable by their large size, dark brown and reddish-brown plumage, and long black and white tail, with females being larger.
• Young birds resemble adults but have paler tails and flight feathers.
• In flight, they soar gracefully with broad wings.
• They feed on medium-sized mammals, reptiles, and birds, captured by swooping down from perches or low flight.
• They nest in bulky stick nests atop large cacti or trees in desert and subtropical regions from Texas to Argentina.

Key identifcation

Characteristic	Description
Appearance	Large, dark brown and reddish-brown hawk with a long black and white tail
Prey	Hunts rabbits, other small animals, and birds
Nest	Constructs a bulky stick nest in a large cactus or other sturdy structure
Call	Makes ringing, rather high-pitched calls, “kleeah, klee, klee, klee, klee”

12. Common Black Hawk

The Common Black Hawk is a large, stocky, black hawk with a narrow white tip and one big white band on a short, broad tail. Though they have similar appearances, males and females are larger. Young birds have buff underparts with dark brown stripes on a dark brown body.

• Pale tail with fine black barring, dark brown mark on each side of throat, and buff face with dark line between eyes.
• Soars on large wings with dark contour and pale “crescent” on base of primaries; young birds have broad pale patch around wing tips.
• Forages on ground near streams and wetlands, gathering fish, insects, and other small prey.
• Constructs disorganized stick nest in tree by creek.
• Found in gallery forests in parts of Arizona and near lowland wetland ecosystems in northern South America, Mexico, and Central America.

Key identification

Characteristic	Description
Appearance	Big, bulky black hawk with a short, broad, black and white tail.
Diet	Preys on fish, crustaceans, insects, and many other small animals.
Nesting Habits	Builds a bulky stick nest in a tree.
Vocalization	Makes repeated, high-pitched whistled calls, “klick kee kee keep kickakip”.

13. Gray Hawk

The size of a gray hawk is similar to that of a crow. Adults have a similar appearance, a gray body with gray bars underneath, and a long, somewhat black and white tail. Juveniles have a beak that is both black and yellow and are dark brown on top.

• Thin white rump and a white forehead with dark markings
• White underparts with dark brown streaks and markings
• Soars using medium-length wings with deep flaps between glides
• Feeds on lizards, small birds, and other small animals
• Captures prey after a short, sharp chase from plants and the ground
• Constructs large stick nests high in trees
• Found in tropical regions from southern Texas and southeast Arizona to Costa Rica
• Observable in California

Key identification

Characteristic	Description
Size	Crow-sized
Plumage	Gray
Tail	Black and white
Plumage Below	Gray barring
Prey	Reptiles and other small animals
Habitat	Arid and subtropical habitats
Nest	Messy, stick nest high in a tree
Vocalization	Clear, descending call “Keeeear!” Loud, repeated whistles “keree, keree, keree, keree”

14. Northern Harrier

A distinctive, fair-sized hawk with long wings, a long tail, and a white rump is the Northern Harrier. Male adults have gray heads, breasts, and upper bodies. They also have black tips on their wings and some pale brown spotting on their undersides.

• Females: Whitish underparts with dark brown streaks on a dark brown body. Young birds: Rich orange-buff underparts, dark brown above.
• White rump and long, “V”-shaped wings for low soaring.
• Occasional hovering before preying on tiny ground animals.
• Shallow, grass-built nest in dense wetland or grassland.
• Breeds in Alaska, Canada, California, northern and central USA; winters in Mexico, USA, sporadically in northern South America.

Key identification

Characteristic	Description
Appearance	Long-winged, long-tailed hawk with a white rump.
Feeding Behavior	Glides low over the ground to catch rodents and other small animals in marshes and grasslands.
Nesting Habitat	Constructs a platform nest on the ground, typically in tall thick grass.
Vocalization	Produces a repetitive, woodpecker-like call, described as “che che che che che che”.

Increasing Your Chances of Spotting Hawks

• Invest in Quality Equipment: Because hawks are adept at hiding, having high-quality binoculars for bird viewing might help you see them more clearly.
• Explore California State Parks: Safe routes are available for observing wildlife in many state parks, and guides are available to assist with identifying the various species.
• Join Local Audubon Groups: Audubon organizations frequently provide guided tours and have chapters where you can get in touch with knowledgeable birdwatchers.
• Attend Guided Tours: If you’re new to birding, knowledgeable guides can assist you identify birds that can be difficult for beginners to observe.
• Get Binoculars: Invest in a nice set of binoculars; you may rent them from birding groups or find them used in libraries.

Encouraging Hawks in Your Area

• Avoid Rodenticides: Use of rodenticides is discouraged since they indirectly poison hawks and other predatory species by contaminating rodents.
• Provide Natural Habitat: To draw hawks, leave up dead or dying trees that have hollows for shelter and supply water supplies.
• Avoid Feeding Hawks: Avoid giving hawks food because it might not be complete enough for them and could cause illness.
• Support Local Falconry: To get up close and personal with hawks in a secure setting, think about sponsoring nearby falconry chapters or volunteering.

Summary

California is a top destination for wildlife aficionados and photographers because of its unique ecosystems and fauna, which includes hawks and endangered species like the San Joaquin Kit Fox and Franklin’s Bumblebee.

Because they manage the numbers of other species and suppress pests like mice and rats, hawks are essential to the health of ecosystems. Efforts to conserve these endearing predators support biodiversity and the general balance of ecosystems.

FAQs

1. What types of hawks can be found in California?
   • Many hawk species, such as the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, and others, can be found in California.
2. Where are the best places to spot hawks in California?
   • In open environments such as meadows, woodlands, marshes, and along coasts, hawk sightings are frequent. A lot of times, state parks and wildlife refuges provide excellent viewing chances.
3. Are hawks in California dangerous to humans or pets?
   • Hawks normally stay away from people and animals unless they are provoked or protecting their nests. They are not very dangerous to humans or household pets, but they are essential in keeping rodent populations under control.
4. How do hawks contribute to the ecosystem in California?
   • By regulating the numbers of small mammals and birds, hawks contribute to the preservation of ecological balance by avoiding overgrazing and preserving biodiversity.
5. What is the breeding season for hawks in California?
   • While hawk species have different breeding seasons, most of them take place in late winter or early summer, followed by the nesting and fledgling seasons.
6. How can I attract hawks to my property in California?
   • Hawks can be drawn to your property by offering them appropriate habitat, such as open areas with perches and nesting places, as well as access to water supplies and little pesticide use.
7. Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect California hawks?
   • Preserving habitat, keeping an eye on populations, and spreading knowledge about the significance of hawks in the environment are all part of conservation efforts.
8. What should I do if I find an injured hawk in California?
   • For assistance, get in touch with your local wildlife rehabilitation facilities or groups that are experienced in caring for hurt raptors.
9. Are there any specific laws or regulations regarding the protection of hawks in California?
   • State and federal laws protect hawks, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which forbids injuring or bothering them without the required licenses.