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

Hawks are most often seen in the northern and central parts of the state, particularly around open agricultural land and large wetlands. Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Greene County is a reliable spot for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Jasper County hosts a well-known fall migration of broad-winged hawks. The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge in the southwest also holds good numbers. Urban parks like Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis can produce Cooper’s Hawks and Red-tails near feeding areas.

Fall migration (mid-September through October) offers the highest volume, especially at ridgetop watch sites like Jasper-Pulaski. Spring migration (March to April) is also productive but more spread out. Early morning (8-10 AM) is prime, as hawks ride rising thermals. Late afternoon can be good for hunting activity near dusk. In winter, look for Red-tailed Hawks perched along highways during the warmer part of the day.

Red-tailed Hawk: Adults show a distinctive rusty red tail (upper side), a dark belly band, and a pale chest. They are bulkier, with broader wings. Red-shouldered Hawk: Adults have reddish shoulders, a strongly banded black-and-white tail, and chestnut barring on the breast. They are slimmer and prefer wet woodland edges. In flight, Red-shoulders flap more frequently with glides, while Red-tails soar with wings slightly raised. For more ID tips, check our full hawk identification guide.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

The state’s best migration site is Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area (northwest), where the Indiana Audubon Society counts thousands of broad-winged hawks each September. Cedar Lake in LaPorte County and Beverly Shores along Lake Michigan also see good flights. The Hawkwatch at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis is a newer, smaller site open during migration. Check local Audubon chapter websites for official watch dates.

Turkey Vultures are often mistaken for hawks at a distance. Look for their silvery flight feathers (two-toned wings), teetering flight style, and small bare head. Northern Harriers have an owl-like face and hold their wings in a V. American Kestrels are much smaller, with two black facial stripes. Juvenile Red-tails can be confused with California Condors? No, stay local. In Indiana, the main confusion is with vultures and harriers. For local species help, see our Indiana wildlife overview.