Hawks in Arkansas: where to see them and how to identify them

Arkansas hosts several resident and migratory hawk species. The most frequently encountered are the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Cooper's Hawk. Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers during migration. For detailed species profiles, check out our /animals/hawk page.

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In Arkansas, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

The best odds for hawk sightings are in the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, as well as around the Arkansas River Valley. Open farmlands and forest edges near water are prime territory. See our /wildlife/arkansas page for a map of top birding locations.

See our Hawks guide for the next step.

Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best season or time of day, keep one backup area in mind, and use the animal facts page plus tour planning ideas to compare what a realistic outing looks like in Arkansas. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.

Early morning (sunrise to 10 AM) is peak activity time. Spring migration (March to May) and fall migration (September to November) bring the highest numbers. During winter, resident hawks are more concentrated near food sources.

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Hawks are often confused with falcons and eagles. Key differences: hawks have broader wings and a stockier build, while falcons have narrow pointed wings. Compared to eagles, hawks are smaller with a shorter wingspan. Look at the tail shape and flight style. Red-tailed Hawks show a distinctive red tail from above.

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge and Big Lake Wildlife Management Area are reliable spots during migration. Also try the Piney Creeks Wildlife Management Area. For real-time travel planning, use the widget below: