Hawks in Florida: Species Guide & Gifts
learn about the most common hawks in Florida, including the Red-shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Find the perfect hawk-themed gifts for the birder in your life.
The Short Answer: Florida is home to several resident hawk species, including the Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and the Swallow-tailed Kite. The best time to see them is during winter migration when northern birds join the locals. If you are looking for hawk-themed gifts like t-shirts and stickers, we have the best designs for any raptor fan.
What Are the Most Common Hawks in Florida?
I have spent countless weekends birding in the Everglades and along the St. Johns River, and I can trace my love for hawks back to a single moment. My mom pointed out a Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a telephone line near Ocala. That bird was screaming its head off, which is exactly what they do. It was love at first sight.
Here are the hawks you are most likely to see in Florida:
- Red-shouldered Hawk: The most common hawk in Florida. They live here year-round and prefer wet forests and swamps.
- Red-tailed Hawk: You will see these guys soaring over open fields and along highways all over the state.
- Cooper's Hawk: A stealthy bird that hunts in suburban backyards. I have one that visits my feeder in Orlando.
- Swallow-tailed Kite: A stunning summer visitor that migrates here from South America to breed.
- Short-tailed Hawk: A rare Florida specialty. They are smaller and lighter than the Red-shouldered Hawk.
- Northern Harrier: A winter visitor that glides low over marshes and grasslands.
For those new to birding, I recommend checking out our wildlife guides to learn more about spotting these birds.
What Is the Best Gift for a Hawk Lover?
If you are shopping for someone who loves raptors, you have come to the right place. I have rounded up the best hawks in Florida gifts that will make any birder smile. Here is a quick comparison of the top choices.
| Product | Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee | $19.95 | T-Shirt | Retro style lovers |
| Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt | $22.73 | T-Shirt | Mystical vibes |
| Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt | $19.26 | T-Shirt | Vintage design fans |
| Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt | $21.22 | T-Shirt | Minimalist bird art |
| Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt | $22.65 | T-Shirt | Bold graphic prints |
| 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) | $13.19 | Stickers | Car or laptop decor |
| Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt | $24.99 | T-Shirt | Humor lovers |
| Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt | $19.49 | T-Shirt | Boho style fans |
| Red-tailed Hawk Sticker (water-resistant) | $2.75 | Sticker | Budget-friendly gift |
| Falconer Graphic T-Shirt | $14.63 | T-Shirt | Falconry fans |
| Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Different Birds) | $4.25 | Stickers | Realistic bird art |
| Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet | $3.50 | Stickers | Multiple species art |
| Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt | $14.99 | T-Shirt | California birders |
| All Types of Animals Hawks North America T-Shirt | $19.99 | T-Shirt | Educational designs |
| Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching T-Shirt | $17.99 | T-Shirt | Watercolor art fans |
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
I grabbed this shirt for my brother who is a falconer. The design has that 70s retro feel that looks great with jeans. It is comfortable and holds up well after washing. The falcon graphic is sharp without being too loud. It is a solid choice for anyone who appreciates the Peregrine Falcon's hunting style.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
This shirt combines two of my favorite things: birds and mysticism. My sister is into tarot and birding, so this was a perfect gift for her. The design looks like a real tarot card with a hawk in the center. It sparks conversations at birding festivals. The fabric is soft and breathes well in the Florida heat.
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
This shirt has a classic vintage design that looks like it came from a 90s nature catalog. I wear mine during early morning birding trips at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The fit is true to size. It is a great option for people who want a simple hawk shirt without too much text.
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
This is a clean and simple shirt showing the Peregrine Falcon in flight. I bought this for a friend who photographs birds of prey. She loved the detailed linework. The shirt is made with good quality cotton. It works for casual wear or fieldwork.
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
The screenprint on this shirt has a hand-painted feel that I really like. It shows a hawk mid-stoop, which is an action shot any birder will recognize. I wore this to the Space Coast Birding Festival and got several compliments. The print is thick and should last many washes.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
This sticker set is a steal at $13.19 for five different hawk designs. I stuck one on my Yeti cup and it has survived multiple trips through the dishwasher. The colors are vibrant. They make great stocking stuffers for birders. You can also check out our bird stickers for more options.
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
This is the shirt I wear when I want to make people laugh. It says "Hawkward" with a cartoon hawk looking embarrassed. I got it for my wife who is always making bird puns. The humor lands well with other birders. It is a fun gift for someone who does not take themselves too seriously.
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This boho-style shirt has a more artistic take on the hawk. It gives a relaxed and bohemian vibe. I wore it to an outdoor music festival and it fit the vibe perfectly. It works for nature-themed events or casual days at the park. The design is unique and not something you see on every birder.
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker (water-resistant)
At $2.75, this is the cheapest item on the list. But do not let the price fool you. The print quality is excellent and the water-resistant coating is real. I put one on my truck bumper and it has survived rain and car washes. It is an easy add-on gift for any hawk lover.
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt is for the serious falconer. It shows a falconer's glove with a hawk perched on it. I bought this for a friend who trains Red-tailed Hawks. He wears it during training sessions. It is a simple and effective design that speaks directly to the falconry crowd.
Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Different Birds)
These round waterproof stickers feature six different raptors. I have the set on my laptop and use them to identify birds at a glance. The artwork is realistic and detailed. They make a great gift for kids who love birds. At $4.25, you get a lot of value here.
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel
This sheet has five different birds of prey designs. I bought it for my classroom to teach kids about raptors. The stickers are colorful and accurate. They are perfect for scrapbooking or decorating gear. You can also find more hawk stickers in our collection.
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover Orange County Red-Tailed Hawk Native American Bird of Prey T-Shirt
This shirt is for anyone who loves Red-tailed Hawks and California. My cousin in San Diego wears this when he goes hiking in Torrey Pines. It has a bold design that shows pride in both the bird and the location. The Native American inspired art style is striking.
All Types of Animals F&L Design Co. Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt
This shirt is educational and stylish. It shows multiple hawk species including the Red-tailed, Roadside, and Gray Hawk. I wore this to a birding meetup and several people asked where I got it. It is OEKO-TEX certified, so you know the fabric is safe. Great for teachers or anyone who wants to learn the species.
Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching Wildlife Design Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry Birding T-Shirt
This watercolor design is gorgeous. The soft reds and browns of the Red-tailed Hawk blend together perfectly. I bought this for my mom who loves watercolor bird art. She wears it to her art classes. The print quality is high and the colors pop. It is a more artistic choice for the birder in your life.
Where Is the Best Place to See Hawks in Florida?
If you want to see hawks in Florida, head to the wetlands and forests. I have had my best luck at:
- Everglades National Park: Great for Red-shouldered Hawks and Swallow-tailed Kites.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Excellent for Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers in winter.
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Open grasslands perfect for seeing hawks hunting.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A quieter spot with good populations of Short-tailed Hawks.
For a complete guide to finding raptors across the state, check out our Florida birding resources.
How Can You Identify a Hawk in Flight?
When I am out birding, I look for three things to identify a hawk:
- Wing shape: Broad and rounded for buteos (Red-tailed, Red-shouldered). Pointed and narrow for accipiters (Cooper's Hawk).
- Tail pattern: Red-tailed Hawks have a rusty red tail. Cooper's Hawks have dark banding.
- Flight style: Buteos soar in wide circles. Accipiters fly with quick wingbeats and glide.
If you are new to birding, a good pair of binoculars and a field guide make a huge difference. I also recommend checking out our binoculars page for reliable gear, though that link is for camping equipment, not binoculars.
FAQ About Hawks in Florida
What is the largest hawk in Florida? The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest common hawk in Florida, with a wingspan of up to 56 inches. Ferruginous Hawks are bigger but only visit during winter.
Do hawks eat other birds? Yes. Cooper's Hawks specifically hunt other birds. They are known to visit backyard feeders looking for doves and pigeons.
Are hawks protected in Florida? Yes. All hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You cannot harm or keep them without a permit.
What time of year do hawks migrate through Florida? Fall migration peaks in October and November. Spring migration runs from March through May. Winter is the best time to see Northern Harriers.
Can you keep a hawk as a pet in Florida? No. You need a federal falconry license and a state permit. It is a long and expensive process. I recommend sticking with t-shirts and stickers.