Hawks in Georgia: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

Georgia hosts a mix of resident and migratory hawks. The most common are the Red-tailed Hawk (large, with a reddish tail), Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, with barred shoulders), and Cooper's Hawk (medium, long tail, often near feeders). Less frequent visitors include Broad-winged Hawks (migrate in large flocks) and the occasional Swainson's Hawk. Check our hawk identification hub for side-by-side comparisons.

Hawks favor open habitats with perches. In north Georgia, look along ridge tops in the Chattahoochee National Forest and around Brasstown Bald. Central Georgia's Piedmont region offers good roadside views, especially along Interstate 20 near the Oconee National Forest. Coastal areas like Okefenokee Swamp and Cumberland Island host Red-shouldered and Bald Eagles (often mistaken for hawks). For a statewide overview, see our Georgia wildlife guide.

Early morning (7–10 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) are prime times when hawks hunt. Seasonal peaks: March–April for spring migration and September–October for fall. On clear, windy days, hawks often soar in thermals. Winter brings more Red-tailed Hawks into open fields as they hunt voles. Summer mornings are best for Cooper's Hawks near bird feeders.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Key markers: size, tail shape, and wing pattern. Red-tailed Hawks are bulky with a short, wide tail. Cooper's Hawks have a long, rounded tail and smaller head. Compare with Turkey Vultures (which hold wings in a V-shape) and Bald Eagles (much larger, white head). Juvenile hawks can be tricky; focus on tail banding and belly patterns. Our hawk identification page has detailed visuals.

Red-tailed Hawks give a raspy, descending scream (keee-eeeer) often used in movies. Red-shouldered Hawks make a repetitive, high-pitched kee-ahh call. Cooper's Hawks are quieter, with a sharp kik-kik-kik near the nest. Listen for these calls in wooded areas, especially during breeding season (April–July).