9 Types of Hawks in Alabama
Alabama hosts several hawk species year-round, with Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks being the most common. Buteos like the Red-tailed soar over open fields along the coast, while accipiters such as Cooper's Hawk appear in wooded suburbs hunting songbirds. During migration seasons, Broad-winged Hawks move through in impressive flocks, especially in the southern counties between mid-September and October. The state's diverse habitats from coastal marshes to mountain forests support a wide range of raptor species. Starting your hawk identification journey is simple: scan power lines and field edges for perched raptors, learn to spot the distinctive tail patterns and wing silhouettes, and pay attention to hunting behavior which varies by species. if you are a casual birdwatcher or dedicated raptor enthusiast, Alabama's hawk watching opportunities rank among the best in the Southeast.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 27, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
9 types of hawks recorded in Alabama
9 hawk species have a verified observation record in Alabama across the hawk family (Accipitridae), which also includes eagles, kites and harriers, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Alabama hosts several hawk species year-round, with Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks being the most common. Buteos like the Red-tailed soar over open fields along the coast, while accipiters such as Cooper's Hawk appear in wooded suburbs hunting songbirds. During migration seasons, Broad-winged Hawks move through in impressive flocks, especially in the southern counties between mid-September and October. The state's diverse habitats from coastal marshes to mountain forests support a wide range of raptor species. Starting your hawk identification journey is simple: scan power lines and field edges for perched raptors, learn to spot the distinctive tail patterns and wing silhouettes, and pay attention to hunting behavior which varies by species. if you are a casual birdwatcher or dedicated raptor enthusiast, Alabama's hawk watching opportunities rank among the best in the Southeast.
1. What are the most common hawks in Alabama?
The Red-tailed Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk are the most widespread year-round residents. The Red-tailed is often seen soaring over highways and open fields, while the Red-shouldered prefers mature forests near water. During migration, Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers, especially in the southern counties.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How do you tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?
Focus on the tail and wing pattern. The Red-tailed Hawk has a rusty red tail (adults) and a dark belly band on a pale chest. Red-shouldered Hawks show heavy reddish barring on the chest, translucent wing panels in flight, and a tail with narrow white bands. Red-shouldered also has a distinctive kee-kee-kee call, while Red-tailed gives a raspy scream.
See ourHawks guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Alabama are you most likely to spot hawks?
Best odds start along the Gulf Coast at places like Dauphin Island during fall migration. Inland, look to the Talladega National Forest and Bankhead National Forest for Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks. Open farmland in the Tennessee Valley attracts Red-tailed and Northern Harriers. Check the /wildlife/alabama page for park-specific tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for hawk watching in Alabama?
Fall migration from mid-September through October offers the highest variety, especially at coastal hawk watches like Fort Morgan. Spring migration is shorter and less predictable. For resident hawks, winter is excellent because leaf-free trees make perched raptors easier to spot. I once counted 12 Red-tails in a single hour along I-65 in January.
5. How do you separate Cooper's Hawk from Sharp-shinned Hawk?
Size is the first clue: Cooper's Hawk is crow-sized, Sharp-shinned is blue jay-sized. Look at the head: Cooper's has a rounded, large-skulled look with a dark cap that contrasts with a pale nape, while Sharp-shinned has a smaller, flat head and the dark cap blends into the back. In flight, Cooper's wings are slightly more forward and the tail is rounded; Sharp-shinned wings are straight and tail is square.
6. Essential gear for hawk identification in the field
A good field guide and binoculars with at least 8x magnification make a real difference. If you want to keep a visual reminder of your sightings, check out these hawk-themed picks from /art-prints.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A comfortable shirt that shows off a classic raptor silhouette. Great for birding meetups or casual wear.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Decorate your water bottle or notebook with these detailed bird of prey stickers. Useful for quick identification reference on the go.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A classic design that stands out at field sites. Lightweight fabric perfect for Alabama's warm months.Check Price and Availability
See ourBrowse bird wall artfor the next step.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
7. Travel planning for hawk sightings in Alabama
For a dedicated trip, consider staying near the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail or the North Alabama Birding Trail. The best approach is to start early morning and check power lines along rural roads. Many hawk hotspots are within an hour of Birmingham, making day trips manageable.
8. Frequently asked questions about Alabama hawks
**Which hawk has a white belly in Alabama?** Red-shouldered Hawks have a pale belly with rusty barring, while juvenile Red-tailed Hawks have a whitish belly with a dark band. **Do hawks nest in suburban yards?** Cooper's Hawks regularly breed in residential areas with mature trees. **How can I attract hawks to my yard?** You don't need to attract them; they come naturally if you have open space and prey like squirrels or birds. **Are there any rare hawks in Alabama?** Swainson's Hawks pass through rarely during migration, and you might see a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk more often in the western part of the state.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
9. What are Northern Harriers and where do they hunt in Alabama?
Northern Harriers are distinctive medium-sized raptors that hunt by flying low over open ground, using their long tails for maneuverability. Males are gray above with white rumps, while females are brown. They hunt rodents, frogs, and small birds in marshes, fields, and grasslands. In Alabama, Northern Harriers are most common during winter and migration, especially in the Tennessee Valley and along the Gulf Coast where they patrol open agricultural areas and wetlands early in the morning.
10. Which other hawk species appear during Alabama migration and what should I look for?
Beyond Broad-wings and Red-tails, watch for Rough-legged Hawks (rare, from the north), Swainson's Hawks (uncommon, grayish), and Merlins (small falcons that hunt on the wing). In spring and fall, hawk migration hotspots near Dauphin Island and coastal promontories funnel thousands of raptors through narrow corridors. Peak activity occurs on clear days with northwest winds in fall and south winds in spring. Bring a notebook to log sightings, as migration patterns reveal which species favor Alabama's corridors and when to expect the heaviest movement.
11. How can you photograph hawks effectively in Alabama habitats?
Early morning light along the Tennessee River valley and Gulf Coast marshes offers the best opportunities. Hawks often perch on power lines and fence posts before hunting, giving you a stable subject. Position yourself downwind so you don't flush them, keep your distance with a telephoto lens (at least 300mm), and avoid sudden movements. The low-light conditions of dawn and dusk produce warm tones that emphasize plumage detail. Alabama's open terrain and sparse vegetation make raptor photography more accessible than in forested regions, so plan visits to known hotspots during peak seasons for the highest success rate.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common hawks in Alabama?+
The Red-tailed Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk are the most widespread year-round residents. The Red-tailed is often seen soaring over highways and open fields, while the Red-shouldered prefers mature forests near water. During migration, Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers, especially in the southern counties. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How do you tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?+
Focus on the tail and wing pattern. The Red-tailed Hawk has a rusty red tail (adults) and a dark belly band on a pale chest. Red-shouldered Hawks show heavy reddish barring on the chest, translucent wing panels in flight, and a tail with narrow white bands. Red-shouldered also has a distinctive kee-kee-kee call, while Red-tailed gives a raspy scream. See ourHawks guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Alabama are you most likely to spot hawks?+
Best odds start along the Gulf Coast at places like Dauphin Island during fall migration. Inland, look to the Talladega National Forest and Bankhead National Forest for Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks. Open farmland in the Tennessee Valley attracts Red-tailed and Northern Harriers. Check the /wildlife/alabama page for park-specific tips. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for hawk watching in Alabama?+
Fall migration from mid-September through October offers the highest variety, especially at coastal hawk watches like Fort Morgan. Spring migration is shorter and less predictable. For resident hawks, winter is excellent because leaf-free trees make perched raptors easier to spot. I once counted 12 Red-tails in a single hour along I-65 in January.
5. How do you separate Cooper's Hawk from Sharp-shinned Hawk?+
Size is the first clue: Cooper's Hawk is crow-sized, Sharp-shinned is blue jay-sized. Look at the head: Cooper's has a rounded, large-skulled look with a dark cap that contrasts with a pale nape, while Sharp-shinned has a smaller, flat head and the dark cap blends into the back. In flight, Cooper's wings are slightly more forward and the tail is rounded; Sharp-shinned wings are straight and tail is square.
9. What are Northern Harriers and where do they hunt in Alabama?+
Northern Harriers are distinctive medium-sized raptors that hunt by flying low over open ground, using their long tails for maneuverability. Males are gray above with white rumps, while females are brown. They hunt rodents, frogs, and small birds in marshes, fields, and grasslands. In Alabama, Northern Harriers are most common during winter and migration, especially in the Tennessee Valley and along the Gulf Coast where they patrol open agricultural areas and wetlands early in the morning.
10. Which other hawk species appear during Alabama migration and what should I look for?+
Beyond Broad-wings and Red-tails, watch for Rough-legged Hawks (rare, from the north), Swainson's Hawks (uncommon, grayish), and Merlins (small falcons that hunt on the wing). In spring and fall, hawk migration hotspots near Dauphin Island and coastal promontories funnel thousands of raptors through narrow corridors. Peak activity occurs on clear days with northwest winds in fall and south winds in spring. Bring a notebook to log sightings, as migration patterns reveal which species favor Alabama's corridors and when to expect the heaviest movement.
11. How can you photograph hawks effectively in Alabama habitats?+
Early morning light along the Tennessee River valley and Gulf Coast marshes offers the best opportunities. Hawks often perch on power lines and fence posts before hunting, giving you a stable subject. Position yourself downwind so you don't flush them, keep your distance with a telephoto lens (at least 300mm), and avoid sudden movements. The low-light conditions of dawn and dusk produce warm tones that emphasize plumage detail. Alabama's open terrain and sparse vegetation make raptor photography more accessible than in forested regions, so plan visits to known hotspots during peak seasons for the highest success rate.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Alabama