Hawks in Maine: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
Yes, Maine is a fantastic state for hawk watching, especially during migration along the coast and inland ridges. Start your search in open fields, coastal headlands, and mountain gaps. Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks are common, while Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers each fall. Timing and habitat are key for successful sightings.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Steller's Sea-Eagle · Matt Felperin CC BY
Steller's Sea-Eagle · er-birds CC BY
Red-tailed Hawk · oksanaetal CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 324,172
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in Maine. 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
11 types of hawks recorded in Maine
11 hawk species have a verified observation record in Maine 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
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
5,059 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Maine, most often in August, July, September.
When hawk are recorded in Maine
Yes, Maine is a fantastic state for hawk watching, especially during migration along the coast and inland ridges. Start your search in open fields, coastal headlands, and mountain gaps. Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks are common, while Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers each fall. Timing and habitat are key for successful sightings.
1. Where in Maine Are Hawk Sightings Most Likely?
Your best bets are along the coast (like Acadia National Park and the islands), the western mountains (e.g., the Mahoosuc Range), and large inland lakes. Look for open fields, forest edges, and ridgelines. Coastal headlands often concentrate migrating hawks in fall.Start with these spotsfor the highest chance of seeing a variety of species.
2. What Is the Best Season or Time of Day to See Hawks?
Late summer through fall (August to October) is the prime window for migration, with peak numbers in September. Spring migration (March to May) is also good but less predictable. The best time of day is late morning to early afternoon, when thermals form and hawks become active. Overcast days can push birds lower for better views.
3. How to Identify Hawks Compared to Similar Species?
Focus on size, shape, and wing posture. Red-tailed Hawks are bulky with broad, rounded wings and a pale belly band. Broad-winged Hawks are smaller with a distinctive black-and-white banded tail. Compare withBald Eagleswhich are much larger with a white head and tail, and withOwlswhich have a round head and silent flight. Falcon species have pointed wings and a faster wingbeat.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What Are the Most Common Hawk Species in Maine?
Red-tailed, Broad-winged, Red-shouldered, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and Northern Goshawk are the regulars. Rough-legged Hawks visit in winter from the Arctic. Each has unique field marks: for example, Red-shouldered has a reddish shoulder and strongly banded tail. For more details, check ourHawks identification guide.
5. How Does Hawk Migration Work in Maine?
Hawks rely on thermals and updrafts to travel south. In Maine, coastal ridges and islands create leading lines that funnel birds. Count sites like Bradbury Mountain and Cadillac Mountain offer spectacular counts. Most Broad-winged Hawks migrate in large flocks called kettles. Timing varies by species, with early migrants moving in August and later ones like Red-tails in October.
6. What Are the Best Locations for Hawk Watching in Maine?
Top spots include Bradbury Mountain State Park (Pownal), the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kittery, and the coastal headlands at Schoodic Point. Many birders also recommend the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia. For a full list, see theMaine birding resources.
7. What Gear and Apparel Can Enhance Your Hawk Watching?
A good pair of binoculars is essential, but a hawk-themed shirt or sticker can show your interest. Consider the **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee** for a vintage bird of prey look, or the **5X Hawk Sticker Set** to decorate your gear. If you prefer tarot or retro vibes, the **Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt** or **Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt** are great choices. Check them out below.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A soft cotton tee featuring a detailed peregrine falcon illustration. Perfect for casual birding days.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Five durable vinyl stickers of various hawk species. Great for water bottles, laptops, or field notebooks.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A throwback design with a stylized hawk profile. Ideal for a laid-back birding style.Check Price and Availability
For more bird-themed art, browse ourbird wall art collection.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Hawks in Maine
**Are hawks common in Maine?** Yes, several species are common year-round or as migrants. **What is the largest hawk in Maine?** The Northern Goshawk, reaching up to 27 inches in length. **Can I see hawks in winter?** Yes, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks winter in open areas. **Do hawks attack pets?** Unlikely; they target small prey like rodents and birds. **Where is the best hawk watch in Maine?** Bradbury Mountain State Park is the most famous, with official counters each fall.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Maine: August, July, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Maine
324,172 verified hawk records have been logged in Maine, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maine
- Acadia National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Frances Perkins National Monument · Find hotels
- Maine Acadian Culture · Find hotels
- Monhegan Island · 324 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool · 321 species recorded
- Acadia NP (please use more specific location if possible) · 294 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool--East Point Sanctuary · 289 species recorded
- Wells Reserve at Laudholm · 284 species recorded
- Stratton Island · 281 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Maine?+
Your best bets are along the coast (like Acadia National Park and the islands), the western mountains (e.g., the Mahoosuc Range), and large inland lakes. Look for open fields, forest edges, and ridgelines. Coastal headlands often concentrate migrating hawks in fall.Start with these spotsfor the highest chance of seeing a variety of species.
Where can you see hawks in Maine?+
Your best bets are along the coast (like Acadia National Park and the islands), the western mountains (e.g., the Mahoosuc Range), and large inland lakes. Look for open fields, forest edges, and ridgelines. Coastal headlands often concentrate migrating hawks in fall.Start with these spotsfor the highest chance of seeing a variety of species.
When is the best time to see hawks in Maine?+
Your best bets are along the coast (like Acadia National Park and the islands), the western mountains (e.g., the Mahoosuc Range), and large inland lakes. Look for open fields, forest edges, and ridgelines. Coastal headlands often concentrate migrating hawks in fall.Start with these spotsfor the highest chance of seeing a variety of species.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Maine
Common questions about hawks