Hawks in Indiana: Species Guide & Gifts
quality which hawk species soar over Indiana, how to identify them, and find unique hawk-themed gifts for the birders and falconers in your life.
The Short Answer: Indiana is home to 8 resident and migratory hawk species, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. You can spot them soaring over open fields, along highways, and in woodlands across the state. The best time for hawk watching is during spring and fall migration, with sites like the Indiana Dunes offering prime viewing.
What Hawks Live in Indiana Year-Round?
Indiana plays host to a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. My mom has kept a birding journal out in Hamilton County for the last fifteen years, and I can trace her most consistent sightings back to a few key species.
The Red-tailed Hawk is by far the most common. You have seen them perched on telephone poles along I-65 or circling above a cornfield. Their brick-red tail feathers become obvious in adult birds, and they are here all year long.
The Cooper's Hawk is a different story. These agile woodland hunters have adapted to suburban backyards. My mom had one swoop down on her bird feeder two winters ago. It was after the doves, not the seed. Cooper's Hawks are medium-sized with a long, banded tail and a rounded head. They breed in Indiana and many stick around through the winter.
Red-shouldered Hawks prefer wet bottomland forests near rivers. You will find them in the southern part of the state, but also along the Wabash River corridor. They have a distinctive, repeated "kee-ah" call that carries a long way.
Which Hawks Migrate Through Indiana?
Spring and fall bring migratory species passing through on their way to and from breeding grounds in Canada and the northern US. The Broad-winged Hawk is the star of the fall migration show. These small buteos travel in huge flocks called kettles. Hawk watches at the Indiana Dunes and along Lake Michigan can count thousands in a single day in mid-September.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest of our accipiters. They look like a miniature Cooper's Hawk but with a square-tipped tail. They migrate through in large numbers and are a common sight at backyard feeders when they chase songbirds.
I have only seen a Northern Harrier a handful of times in Indiana. They are a winter visitor in the northern half of the state. You can identify them by their low, gliding flight over grasslands and the white rump patch that stands out like a landing strip.
Rough-legged Hawks come down from the Arctic tundra to spend winter in Indiana. They are a large buteo with feathered legs (hence the name), and they prefer open farmland. Look for them hovering in place like a giant kestrel.
The Swainson's Hawk is a rare but regular spring migrant in western Indiana. They are long-distance migrants that winter in Argentina. Spotting one in Indiana is a real treat for a birder.
Where Are the Best Hawk Watching Spots in Indiana?
For the best hawk watching, you need an elevated view along a major migration route. The Indiana Dunes State Park is the premier site in the state. The hawks follow the Lake Michigan shoreline south in the fall. The park hosts an annual hawk watch event in September.
Cagles Mill Lake in Putnam County has a decent hawk watch. Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis sees good numbers of migrating accipiters. Brown County State Park offers great woodland viewing for Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks during migration.
My dad used to take me to Eagle Creek Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis. The birding there is excellent, and the open fields host Cooper's Hawks and Red-tails year-round.
What Should You Feed Red-Tailed Hawks in Indiana?
Red-tailed Hawks are raptors. They eat meat, pure and simple. Their diet in Indiana consists mostly of rodents like voles, mice, and ground squirrels. They also take rabbits, snakes, and occasionally other birds.
You do not need to put out food for them. In fact, offering meat can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters with people. The best way to help Red-tailed Hawks is to protect their habitat and keep rodenticide poisons off your property. Those poisons work their way up the food chain and kill the hawks you want to see.
Hawk Gifts for Bird Lovers in Indiana
If you know someone who spends their weekends with binoculars pointed skyward, here are some hawk-themed finds that make for good gifts. I have collected a few of these myself over the years.
| Product | Price | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee | $19.95 | Tee |
| Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt | $22.73 | Tee |
| Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt | $19.26 | Tee |
| Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt | $21.22 | Tee |
| Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt | $22.65 | Tee |
| 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) | $13.19 | Sticker Set |
| Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt | $24.99 | Tee |
| Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt | $19.49 | Tee |
| Red-tailed Hawk Sticker (water-resistant) | $2.75 | Sticker |
| Falconer Graphic T-Shirt | $14.63 | Tee |
| Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Birds) | $4.25 | Sticker Set |
| Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet | $3.50 | Sticker Set |
| Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt | $14.99 | Tee |
| All Types of Animals Hawks North America T-Shirt | $19.99 | Tee |
| Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk T-Shirt | $17.99 | Tee |
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
This tee features a retro graphic of a Peregrine Falcon in a dive. The Peregrine is not technically a hawk (it is a falcon), but it shares the same skies and is often grouped in with "birds of prey" discussions. This is a good pick for someone who enjoys the sport of falconry or just appreciates the fastest animal on earth. The design has a clean, vintage feel that works for casual wear.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
This one blends mysticism with raptor imagery. The design looks like a tarot card featuring a detailed hawk illustration. It is printed on a comfortable cotton tee. I would wear this to a Ren Faire or a birding festival. It is a nice conversation starter for anyone into esoteric hobbies or unique animal art. Check our hawk t-shirts collection for more graphic options.
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A faded, vintage-style print of a perched hawk. The muted earth tones give it an old-school field guide feel. This is the kind of shirt I would grab for a day out at the Indiana Dunes hawk watch. The cotton is heavy and soft after a few washes.
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
Another falcon design, this one with a more scientific illustration style. It is a straightforward, good-looking graphic of a Peregrine Falcon. It makes for a solid gift for a birder who does not care about taxonomic distinctions between hawks and falcons.
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
Screenprinted with a bold hawk silhouette. The lines are crisp and the ink is thick. This one has a modern, minimalist aesthetic. It is different from the more common watercolor or realistic designs. Good for someone who likes clean lines.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Five stickers featuring different hawk species and raptor poses. They are printed on durable vinyl with good color saturation. I put a couple of these on my Yeti cup and the other one on my car bumper. They have held up through rain and sun for over a year. Check out our hawk stickers for more options like individual species stickers.
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
This is a pun shirt. "Hawkward" is printed over a cartoonish hawk. It is a fun, lighthearted option for someone who does not take themselves too seriously. A good gag gift for a birding buddy.
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This design has a boho, watercolor feel. The lines are soft and the colors blend together. It is described as having a bohemian vibe, and I can see it paired with jeans and boots. It is a nice departure from the typical field guide realism.
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker (water-resistant)
A single, realistic sticker of a Red-tailed Hawk. It is water-resistant, so it can go on a water bottle or laptop without peeling. The detail on the facial features is excellent. At $2.75, it is a cheap way to show off your favorite Indiana raptor.
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
This one has a graphic of a falconer with a bird on a gloved fist. It is specific to the sport of falconry. If you know someone who flies birds, this is a perfect fit. The design is understated and classy.
Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Different Birds)
A sheet of six round stickers featuring different raptors in a realistic style. The designs are high quality and include species like the Red-tailed Hawk and the Sharp-shinned Hawk. These are waterproof and work great on a journal or a cooler.
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel
This sheet covers a broad range of birds of prey, from eagles to kestrels. The artwork is detailed and educational. It would be a nice addition to a kid's room or a birding scrapbook. The sticker is $3.50, which is good value for five different species.
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt
Even though it says California, a Red-tailed Hawk is a Red-tailed Hawk anywhere. The design features a prominent Red-tailed Hawk with a native American inspired pattern. It is a cotton tee that runs true to size.
All Types of Animals Hawks North America T-Shirt
This shirt shows a collection of hawk species across North America. It is a field guide shirt. It is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it is free from harmful chemicals. Good for a birder who wants to wear their life list.
Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk T-Shirt
A watercolor illustration of a Red-tailed Hawk in flight. The colors are soft and blend artistically. This is a more artistic take on a classic bird. It fits well and the fabric is soft to the touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawks in Indiana
What is the most common hawk in Indiana? The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common and widespread hawk species in Indiana. You can see them perched on utility poles and soaring over farm fields in every county.
Are hawks protected in Indiana? Yes. All hawk species are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, trap, or possess a hawk or any hawk parts (feathers, nests, eggs) without a special permit.
How do I identify a Cooper's Hawk vs a Sharp-shinned Hawk in Indiana? Size is the main difference. Cooper's Hawks are larger (about the size of a crow) with a rounded tail. Sharp-shinned Hawks are smaller (blue jay sized) with a square tail. Cooper's Hawks also have a more prominent head sticking out during flight.
Can you hunt hawks in Indiana? No. It is illegal to hunt hawks in Indiana. They are protected under state and federal law. The only exceptions involve specific permits for falconry or for protecting livestock if a hawk is causing demonstrable harm.
What hawk has a white belly in Indiana? The Red-shouldered Hawk has a rusty red breast and belly with white barring. The Cooper's Hawk has a pale belly with fine horizontal barring. The Northern Harrier has a white rump patch that is very visible in flight.
Do hawks eat squirrels in Indiana? Yes. Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper's Hawks both prey on squirrels. Red-tails take gray squirrels from the ground or from branches. Cooper's Hawks are more agile and can chase squirrels through the trees.