11 Types of Eagles in Indiana
11 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Indiana. The most frequently recorded are Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
Quick Answer
11 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Indiana. The most frequently recorded are Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
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Verified species, source iNaturalist
11 types of eagles recorded in Indiana
11 eagles species have a verified observation record in Indiana across the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
| # | Species | Scientific name | Verified records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | 1,761 |
| 2 | Bald Eagle | Haliaeetus leucocephalus | 1,552 |
| 3 | Red-shouldered Hawk | Buteo lineatus | 1,528 |
| 4 | Cooper's Hawk | Astur cooperii | 1,155 |
| 5 | Northern Harrier | Circus hudsonius | 161 |
| 6 | Rough-legged Hawk | Buteo lagopus | 153 |
| 7 | Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | 117 |
| 8 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | 65 |
| 9 | Mississippi Kite | Ictinia mississippiensis | 30 |
| 10 | Golden Eagle | Aquila chrysaetos | 17 |
| 11 | Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus | 16 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Gear and field guides
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is the most commonly recorded, with 1,761 verified observations — about 27% of all eagles reported in Indiana. If you spot a eagle here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.
Indiana also hosts less common eagles such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, Mississippi Kite and Golden Eagle, each recorded fewer than 100 times. These are the species worth a second look when you are out, since a sighting is more notable.