Hawks in Illinois: Species Guide & Gifts

The Short Answer: Illinois is home to several hawk species, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and the Peregrine Falcon. These birds of prey are most commonly seen in open fields, woodlands, and even urban areas across the state. You can identify them by their size, wing shape, and distinctive calls.

What Hawks Can You See in Illinois?

Illinois offers excellent hawk watching, especially during migration. I can trace my own interest in raptors back to a cold November morning at the Illinois Beach State Park hawk watch. Seeing a sharp-shinned hawk rocket past the dunes made me want to learn every species.

Here are the hawks you are most likely to spot in Illinois.

Red-tailed Hawk: This is the most widespread and familiar hawk in Illinois. They have broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. The adult's brick-red tail is unmistakable. You see them perched on telephone poles along interstates and hunting from fence posts in farm country.

Red-shouldered Hawk: A hawk of mature forests and wooded swamps. They have a barred reddish chest and a black-and-white banded tail. Listen for their loud, repeated "kee-ah" call. They are more common in southern Illinois, but their range extends north.

Cooper’s Hawk: A medium-sized accipiter with a long tail and short, rounded wings. They are built for speed through woodlands and suburban backyards. They are a common visitor to bird feeders, hunting for doves and songbirds.

Sharp-shinned Hawk: The smallest accipiter in Illinois, looking like a smaller version of the Cooper’s Hawk. They are annual migrants and winter residents. Telling them apart from Cooper’s Hawks takes practice, but sharp-shinned hawks have a square tail tip.

Peregrine Falcon: Not technically a hawk, but often grouped with them. They were nearly wiped out by DDT, but reintroduction programs have been a massive success. They now nest on skyscrapers in Chicago and on bridges across the state.

For more information on where to find them, check out our guide to Illinois wildlife.

Where Is the Best Place to See Hawks in Illinois?

The best locations are along the Lake Michigan shoreline during fall migration. The Illinois Beach State Park hawk watch in Zion is a reliable spot. On a good day, you can see hundreds of raptors moving south.

Other great hawk-watching locations include:

• Starved Rock State Park: The canyons and Illinois River bluffs provide great vantage points.
• Jubilee College State Park: A good spot near Peoria for viewing migrating Broad-winged Hawks.
• The Mississippi River bluffs: Any overlook along the Great River Road can be productive.

What Is the Best Way to Identify a Hawk in Flight?

Focus on the wing shape and tail silhouette.

• Buteos (Red-tailed, Red-shouldered) have broad, wide wings and a fan-shaped tail. They soar in wide circles.
• Accipiters (Cooper's, Sharp-shinned) have short, round wings and a long, narrow tail. They fly with a flap-flap-glide pattern.
• Falcons (Peregrine) have long, pointed wings and a slender body. They look like they are built for speed.

The way a hawk holds its wings in a glide is a key identification mark. Red-tailed Hawks hold their wings in a slight dihedral, a shallow V-shape.

Top Hawk Gifts for Illinois Birders

Whether you are looking for a gift for a falconer or a cool new t-shirt for your next hawk watch, these designs are perfect for any raptor fan.

Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee

This tee captures the speed and sleekness of the peregrine falcon with a retro-style graphic. It is a great conversation starter for anyone who has watched these birds stoop from Chicago skyscrapers. The design has a classic, worn-in look that my mom loves for casual wear. Check Price and Availability

Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt

A unique design that blends mysticism with raptors. This shirt features a detailed hawk illustration set inside a tarot card frame. It is perfect for the birder who also enjoys a bit of whimsy. Check Price and Availability

Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt

This shirt has a strong vintage feel, with a simple but powerful hawk graphic. It is an understated way to show off your love for these birds. The faded colors and classic print make it a staple for any birding wardrobe. Check Price and Availability

Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt

A clean, detailed illustration of a Peregrine Falcon. This tee is a great choice for the serious birdwatcher. It clearly shows the falcon's distinctive teardrop marking below the eye and its powerful build. Check Price and Availability

Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt

This screenprint offers a bold, artistic take on a hawk in flight. The abstract style gives it an edge over more standard wildlife tees. It uses negative space and strong lines to create a striking image. Check Price and Availability

5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird

This set gives you five different hawk designs for your car, water bottle, or gear. The stickers are durable and look great on a Yeti or cooler. It is an easy way to show off your interest in raptors without buying a whole shirt. Check Price and Availability

Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt

This is the tee for the birder with a sense of humor. The "Hawkward" pun is clever without being too cheesy. I have seen these at hawk watches and they always get a laugh from the other birders. Check Price and Availability

Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt

This shirt has a bohemian, watercolor feel to the hawk design. It is less about field guide accuracy and more about artistic style. It works well for outdoor festivals or just a relaxed day out. Check Price and Availability

Red-tailed Hawk Sticker, water-resistant, bird lover gift, birding birdwatching birder birds of prey raptor

This is a realistic, detailed sticker of a Red-tailed Hawk, the most common hawk in Illinois. It is water-resistant, so it holds up well on a water bottle or car window. A simple and affordable gift for any birder. Check Price and Availability

Falconer Graphic T-Shirt

This shirt is specifically designed for falconers. The graphic shows a classic falconry scene. It is a great way for people who train and hunt with these birds to show their passion. Check Price and Availability

Raptor Sticker Sheets | 6 Different Birds | Round Waterproof Stickers

This sheet gives you six different round stickers featuring various raptors, including a hawk. The illustrations are realistic and educational. It is a solid choice for a kids' room or study area. Check Price and Availability

Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel

A complete set of North American raptors on one sheet. You get an eagle, falcon, hawk, osprey, and kestrel. This is a good way to learn the different silhouettes of each bird. Check Price and Availability

Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover Orange County Red-Tailed Hawk Native American Bird of Prey T-Shirt

This shirt celebrates the Red-tailed Hawk with a regional pride angle. While it mentions California, a Red-tailed Hawk is a Red-tailed Hawk anywhere you find it, including Illinois. It is a specific design for a dedicated fan. Check Price and Availability

All Types of Animals F&L Design Co. Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt

A tee from a brand focused on animal illustrations. The design features multiple North American hawk species. It is a good pick for someone who wants an educational piece of apparel. Check Price and Availability

Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching Wildlife Design Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry Birding T-Shirt

A soft, watercolor-style illustration of a Red-tailed Hawk. The artistic technique makes this shirt stand out from simple screen prints. It is a more subtle way to represent the bird. Check Price and Availability

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawks in Illinois

Do hawks live in Illinois year-round?

Yes. Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Red-shouldered Hawks are year-round residents. Other species, like the Broad-winged Hawk, only pass through during migration.

What is the largest hawk in Illinois?

The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest buteo in Illinois, with a wingspan of over four feet. The Ferruginous Hawk is larger but very rare in the state.

Are Peregrine Falcons common in Illinois?

Peregrine Falcons are not common, but they are well-established in urban areas like Chicago. They are a success story of conservation, having been reintroduced after a near-total population collapse.

Where can I see a hawk in Chicago?

Look up along the lakefront or at the Illinois Beach State Park. Peregrine Falcons nest on the Wrigley Building and other tall skyscrapers. Red-tailed Hawks are also common in parks and green spaces.

What do hawks eat in Illinois?

Their diet is mostly small mammals like mice, voles, ground squirrels, and rabbits. They also eat birds, reptiles, and large insects. A Red-tailed Hawk in a farm field is probably hunting for voles.

How can I attract hawks to my yard?

You should not try to attract hawks directly, as they are predators. A healthy backyard ecosystem with songbirds and squirrels will naturally attract hawks looking for a meal. Installing a bird bath might bring in prey species. For a safer approach, check out our guide for attracting birds to your yard.

When is the best time to see hawk migration in Illinois?

The peak of fall migration is in September and October. The spring migration runs from March through May. The Illinois Beach State Park hawk watch operates during these peak periods.

What is a group of hawks called?

A group of hawks is called a kettle when they are migrating together. It is also called a cast or a flight.

What is the difference between a hawk and a falcon?

Hawks generally have broad, rounded wings and are built for soaring. Falcons have long, pointed wings and are built for speed and fast, direct flight. Their hunting styles are completely different.

Are there any endangered hawks in Illinois?

The Peregrine Falcon was once endangered, but it has been delisted thanks to successful recovery programs. It is now a species of special concern in Illinois but no longer federal endangered. The Short-eared Owl is a state endangered species, but it is an owl, not a hawk.