Hawks in Alabama: Where to Spot Them and How to Identify Them This Breeding Season

1. When Does Hawk Breeding Season Start in Alabama?

Hawk breeding season in Alabama typically runs from late February through early July. Red-tailed Hawks begin courting in February, with nesting from March to May. Red-shouldered Hawks start a bit later, with eggs laid in March and April. Most young fledge by June or July.

In Alabama, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.

2. Where in Alabama Are Hawks Most Likely to Be Seen Breeding?

For Red-tailed Hawks, focus on open country, pastures, and highway edges in northern and central Alabama, such as Bankhead National Forest and Oak Mountain State Park. Red-shouldered Hawks prefer bottomland forests and swamps, especially along the Gulf Coast and Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Check out ourAlabama wildlife pagefor more regional tips.

3. How Can You Tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?

Look at the belly and tail. Adult Red-tailed Hawks have a dark belly band across a pale belly and a brick-red tail on top. Red-shouldered Hawks have a barred reddish belly, a banded black-and-white tail, and a distinctive reddish shoulder patch. Listen for their calls: Red-tailed says a raspy scream, Red-shouldered says a repeated *kee-ah*.

See ourHawks breeding-seasonfor the next step.

4. What Time of Day Is Best for Spotting Breeding Hawks?

Early morning from 7 to 10 a.m. and late afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. are prime hours. Hawks are most active during these cooler parts of the day, especially when hunting for food to feed their young. Midday heat often makes them perch quietly in shade.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. What Nesting Behaviors Should You Watch For?

Hawks build large stick nests high in trees, often in the crotch of a main fork. Look for bulky platforms 30 to 60 feet up in pines, oaks, or cottonwoods. During courtship, you might see the pair circling together or performing sky-dives. By mid-summer, juveniles will be perched near the nest begging for food.

6. How Does Identifying Hawks by Flight Help During Breeding Season?

Breeding hawks are often seen soaring overhead. Red-tails hold their wings in a shallow V and soar in wide circles. Red-shouldereds flap more frequently and glide with wings flat. Broad-winged Hawks, which pass through during migration, hold wings straight out. For more detailed identification tips, visit ourhawk species page.

7. Gear and Art to Enhance Your Hawk Watching

Once you've identified your first breeding hawk, you might want to commemorate the sighting. We offer a few items that fit a birdwatching lifestyle:

### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee

A casual tee featuring a peregrine falcon design, perfect for wearing on your next field outing.Check Price and Availability

### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)

A set of five hawk stickers for decorating binocular cases, notebooks, or water bottles.Check Price and Availability

### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt

A unique tarot-inspired design for those who appreciate a mystical take on raptors.Check Price and Availability

For more wall art and decor to celebrate your sightings, browse ourbird art prints.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Hawks Breeding Season in Alabama

**Do all hawk species breed in Alabama?** No, some like the Broad-winged Hawk only pass through during migration. The common breeding residents are Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Cooper's Hawks.

**How long does it take for hawk eggs to hatch?** About 28 to 35 days, depending on the species. Both parents share incubation.

**Can I see hawk nests in city parks?** Yes, Red-shouldered Hawks sometimes nest in suburban parks with large trees. Keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing active nests.

**What should I do if I find a fallen baby hawk?** Leave it alone unless it's injured. Parents are usually nearby. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator if needed.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.