Hawks in Kentucky: where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, several hawk species live in or pass through Kentucky year-round. Start your search in open fields and along woodland edges, where Red-tailed Hawks are most common. Early mornings in spring and fall offer the best odds. Focus on tail color and wing shape to tell species apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Red-tailed Hawk · Public domain CC0
Red-shouldered Hawk · M. Whitson CC BY
Cooper's Hawk · danpatrick CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 198,791
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- December, January, April
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in Kentucky. Next you'll want:
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
9 types of hawks recorded in Kentucky
9 hawk species have a verified observation record in Kentucky 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.
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9
Plus 3 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
3,610 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Kentucky, most often in December, January, April.
When hawk are recorded in Kentucky
Yes, several hawk species live in or pass through Kentucky year-round. Start your search in open fields and along woodland edges, where Red-tailed Hawks are most common. Early mornings in spring and fall offer the best odds. Focus on tail color and wing shape to tell species apart.
Where are hawks most likely seen in Kentucky?
Hawks in Kentucky favor a mix of open country and forest edges. The western part of the state, especially the Land Between the Lakes area, offers wide fields and scattered woods ideal for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. The Daniel Boone National Forest in the east holds more Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Check out ourwildlife guide for Kentuckyfor more regional tips.
In Kentucky, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What is the best season and time of day to spot hawks?
Fall migration, from mid-September through October, is the prime season; hawks move south in large numbers, especially on days with northwest winds. Spring migration (March to April) is also good but less concentrated. Early morning, right after sunrise, and late afternoon are the most active times. During midday, hawks often soar high and are harder to see without binoculars.
How can I identify hawks in Kentucky compared to similar birds?
Start with tail color: Red-tailed Hawks have a rusty red upper tail surface, while Red-shouldered Hawks show black-and-white banding. Cooper's Hawks have a long, rounded tail with thick bands, unlike the shorter, square tail of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Wing shape matters: Broad-winged Hawks have stubby wings, and Red-tails have broader, more rounded wings. Use a field guide or app to compare flight silhouettes. For more details, see ourhawk identification hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the most common hawk species in Kentucky?
The four hawks you are most likely to see are Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, and Broad-winged. Red-tailed Hawks are everywhere: fields, roadsides, and perches. Red-shouldered Hawks prefer wet forests near streams. Cooper's Hawks are common in suburban backyards, hunting birds at feeders. Broad-winged Hawks are forest dwellers seen mainly during migration. Less common but possible: Northern Harrier (a hawk-like harrier) and the occasional Rough-legged Hawk in winter.
Where can I go for a dedicated hawk watching experience?
Several hawk watch sites in Kentucky offer reliable sightings. The **Land Between the Lakes** has designated overlooks. **Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest** near Clermont hosts a fall hawk count. **Cumberland Gap National Historical Park** in the southeast has ridgetop views. For a full list, check our/wildlife/kentucky page. You can also plan a trip around the annual **Hawk Migration Association of North America** count events.
What gear will help me spot and identify hawks?
A good pair of 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars is essential. A field guide like Sibley or a smartphone app (eBird, Merlin) helps with IDs. Bring a notebook and camera for documenting your sightings. Wear neutral-colored clothing and move slowly to avoid spooking the birds. If you want to remember your sightings, consider a hawk-themed sticker set or a tarot card T-shirt from ourart prints and apparel collection.
How can I celebrate my hawk sighting with gear from Easy Street Markets?
Once you've ID'd a hawk, why not show it off? We have a few picks for hawk watchers:
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
Comfortable tee featuring a peregrine falcon design, perfect for birders.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set
Five hawk stickers to decorate your gear or journal.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
Unique tarot art on a tee, great for conversations about your sightings.Check Price and Availability
Browse more hawk-themed items at ourbird art prints store.
Are there any hawk festivals or events in Kentucky?
Yes, the **Kentucky Falconers Association** holds public demos occasionally. The **Hawk Migration Association** runs a fall count at Bernheim Forest. Check local nature center calendars for raptor programs. If you want to decorate your home with hawk imagery, ourart printsoffer high-quality prints of various raptors.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Kentucky: December, January, April
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Kentucky
198,791 verified hawk records have been logged in Kentucky, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Kentucky
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Mammoth Cave National Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Camp Nelson National Monument · Find hotels
- Sloughs WMA, Sauerheber Unit* · 261 species recorded
- Minor E Clark Fish Hatchery (Closed to visitors on weekends in January) · 255 species recorded
- Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area (KY) · 249 species recorded
- Peabody WMA, Sinclair Unit* · 246 species recorded
- Ballard WMA* · 240 species recorded
- Reelfoot NWR, Long Point Unit (KY)* · 235 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Kentucky?+
Hawks in Kentucky favor a mix of open country and forest edges. The western part of the state, especially the Land Between the Lakes area, offers wide fields and scattered woods ideal for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. The Daniel Boone National Forest in the east holds more Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Check out ourwildlife guide for Kentuckyfor more regional tips. In Kentucky, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where can you see hawks in Kentucky?+
Hawks in Kentucky favor a mix of open country and forest edges. The western part of the state, especially the Land Between the Lakes area, offers wide fields and scattered woods ideal for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. The Daniel Boone National Forest in the east holds more Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Check out ourwildlife guide for Kentuckyfor more regional tips. In Kentucky, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When is the best time to see hawks in Kentucky?+
Hawks in Kentucky favor a mix of open country and forest edges. The western part of the state, especially the Land Between the Lakes area, offers wide fields and scattered woods ideal for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. The Daniel Boone National Forest in the east holds more Cooper's and Broad-winged Hawks. Check out ourwildlife guide for Kentuckyfor more regional tips. In Kentucky, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Kentucky
Common questions about hawks