Hawks in Florida: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
Yes, Florida hosts a variety of hawks year-round. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the most common backyard species, while the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk are also widespread. For the best odds, head to the Everglades, Paynes Prairie, or any open field along the Gulf coast.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Swainson's Hawk · Lyndsey CC BY
Short-tailed Hawk · Kevin Brix CC BY-SA
Cooper's Hawk · Eridan Xharahi CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 2,220,458
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- January, March, December
- peak months
What hawk sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Swallow-tailed Kite · flight call
0:05River Lakes Conservation Area near Viera, Brevard Co, Florida · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC169364
Northern Harrier · call
0:05Whitewater Draw WA, near McNeal, Cochise Co, Arizona · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC164241
Cooper's Hawk · alarm call
0:06Cape Coral Public Library · © Dany Sloan CC BY-NC-SA · XC859371
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of hawks recorded in Florida
13 hawk species have a verified observation record in Florida 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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7- 8
9
10
11
12
Also recorded in Florida
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Swainson's HawkButeo swainsoni | Buteo swainsoni | 148 |
Plus 2 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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
61,118 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Florida, most often in January, March, December.
When hawk are recorded in Florida
Yes, Florida hosts a variety of hawks year-round. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the most common backyard species, while the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk are also widespread. For the best odds, head to the Everglades, Paynes Prairie, or any open field along the Gulf coast.
What species of hawks can I see in Florida?
Florida is home to several resident hawk species. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the one you will most likely see perched near water or in wooded suburbs. The Red-tailed Hawk prefers open fields and roadsides. Cooper's Hawks are common in urban areas, often hunting at bird feeders. You may also spot the Short-tailed Hawk in southern Florida and the Swallow-tailed Kite (a type of hawk) during summer. Check ourFlorida birding hubfor seasonal updates.
Where in Florida are hawk sightings most likely?
Your best odds are in the Everglades, Big Cypress National Preserve, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and along the St. Johns River. Open marshes, pine flatwoods, and coastal dunes are good bets. For Red-shouldered Hawks, try any park with cypress swamps. Red-tailed Hawks are often seen on telephone poles along rural highways. You can learn more about hawk habitat on ourhawk animal page.
What is the best season or time of day to spot hawks?
Hawks are active year-round in Florida, but winter (November to February) brings northern migrants, increasing diversity. The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon when thermals are moderate. During midday, hawks often soar high, making identification tricky. For migration spectacles, visit the Florida Keys in October or the Gulf coast in September. Check theFlorida wildlife sectionfor timing tips.
How can I identify hawks compared to similar birds?
Start with shape and flight style. Red-shouldered Hawks have a black-and-white banded tail and a rufous chest. Red-tailed Hawks show a distinctive red tail on adults. Cooper's Hawks have a rounded tail and flap-flap-glide flight. Compare with Turkey Vultures (which rock side to side) and Bald Eagles (larger, white head). For more on similar species, see ourhawk identification guide.
What behavior should I look for when hawk watching?
Watch for hawks perching on high poles or dead branches. Red-shouldered Hawks often call loudly before moving. Red-tailed Hawks soar in circles and may hover briefly. Cooper's Hawks are agile fliers that dart through trees. You might see them hunting birds at feeders. Carry binoculars and a field guide. For a portable reference, consider thePeregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Teefor its detailed bird illustration.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Where are the top hawk watching spots in Florida?
Top spots include the Everglades' Anhinga Trail, Paynes Prairie's observation tower, the Harns Marsh in Lee County, and the Fort De Soto Park. For a selected list of viewing locations, check ourFlorida hawk sightings page.
How can I bring hawk spotting memories home?
After a successful day of hawk watching, you might want to decorate your space with bird art. Ourbird art printsfeature detailed illustrations of Florida's raptors. For a wearable reminder, try the **Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt** – a unique design that sparks conversation.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A stylish tee with a hawk in tarot style, perfect for birders who like a bit of mystique.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set
Five different hawk stickers to label your gear or share with fellow birders.Check Price and Availability
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A retro-inspired tee featuring a peregrine falcon, a close relative of hawks.Check Price and Availability
What should I do if I find a baby hawk on the ground?
Leave it alone unless it is injured or in immediate danger. Fledglings often spend time on the ground while learning to fly. Parents are usually nearby. Keep pets away and watch from a distance. If the bird is injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Learn more about hawk conservation on ourhawk resources page.
Are there any hawk migration hotlines or apps I should use?
The Hawk Migration Association of North America provides count data. Apps like eBird and Merlin help you track sightings and identify species. In Florida, the Florida Hawkwatch group runs a listserv for real time alerts. You can also check theFlorida seasonal birding pagefor migration windows.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Florida: January, March, December
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Florida
2,220,458 verified hawk records have been logged in Florida, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Florida
- Big Cypress National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Biscayne National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Canaveral National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dry Tortugas National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Everglades National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Gulf Islands National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Everglades NP (Please consider using more specific locations) · 363 species recorded
- Fort De Soto Park · 357 species recorded
- St. Marks NWR (Please consider using a more specific hotspot) · 352 species recorded
- Merritt Island NWR (Please consider using more specific locations) · 348 species recorded
- Lake Apopka North Shore--Orange County Section (please consider using more specific locations) · 346 species recorded
- Gulf Islands National Seashore--Fort Pickens · 335 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Florida?+
Florida is home to several resident hawk species. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the one you will most likely see perched near water or in wooded suburbs. The Red-tailed Hawk prefers open fields and roadsides. Cooper's Hawks are common in urban areas, often hunting at bird feeders. You may also spot the Short-tailed Hawk in southern Florida and the Swallow-tailed Kite (a type of hawk) during summer. Check ourFlorida birding hubfor seasonal updates.
Where can you see hawks in Florida?+
Florida is home to several resident hawk species. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the one you will most likely see perched near water or in wooded suburbs. The Red-tailed Hawk prefers open fields and roadsides. Cooper's Hawks are common in urban areas, often hunting at bird feeders. You may also spot the Short-tailed Hawk in southern Florida and the Swallow-tailed Kite (a type of hawk) during summer. Check ourFlorida birding hubfor seasonal updates.
When is the best time to see hawks in Florida?+
Florida is home to several resident hawk species. The Red-shouldered Hawk is the one you will most likely see perched near water or in wooded suburbs. The Red-tailed Hawk prefers open fields and roadsides. Cooper's Hawks are common in urban areas, often hunting at bird feeders. You may also spot the Short-tailed Hawk in southern Florida and the Swallow-tailed Kite (a type of hawk) during summer. Check ourFlorida birding hubfor seasonal updates.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Florida