Hawks in New Jersey: Species Guide & Gifts
Identify hawks in New Jersey with our species guide. Shop for unique hawk gifts including t-shirts and stickers for bird watchers and falconers.
The Short Answer: New Jersey is a prime location for hawk watching, with several species calling the state home year-round or passing through during migration. The most common hawks in New Jersey include the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and the Peregrine Falcon. You can spot them in state parks, along the Delaware River, and at famous migration sites like Cape May Point.
What Hawks Live in New Jersey Year-Round?
New Jersey hosts a mix of resident and migratory hawks. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk you will see in New Jersey, often perched on telephone poles along highways. Cooper's Hawks have adapted well to suburban areas and are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders (though they are usually after the birds, not the seed). Red-shouldered Hawks prefer the wet woodlands of the Pine Barrens and the northern part of the state. The Peregrine Falcon, while technically a falcon, is often grouped with hawks by qualitys and has made a strong comeback thanks to nesting platforms on bridges along the coast.
For a full look at these birds and where to find them, check out our bird of prey category.
What Are the Best Gifts for Hawk Watchers in New Jersey?
Whether you are shopping for a seasoned birder from Cape May or a falconer from Sussex County, the right gift shows you understand the bird. We have put together a list of t-shirts and stickers that any hawk fan would appreciate.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird
This is a solid starter pack for anyone who wants to decorate a water bottle, laptop, or car bumper. The set includes five different bird of prey designs that cover species commonly seen in New Jersey. I picked up a set like this last fall for my truck and the stickers held up through a salty winter on the Parkway. At $13.19 for five pieces, it is an easy win for a stocking stuffer.
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker, water-resistant, bird lover gift, birding birdwatching birder birds of prey raptor
This sticker features the most iconic hawk in New Jersey. The Red-tailed Hawk is the one you see circling over the Meadowlands or sitting on a fence post along Route 78. The sticker is water-resistant, which matters if you plan to put it on a vehicle or outdoor gear. For $2.75, it is a cheap way to show off your favorite raptor.
Raptor Sticker Sheets | 6 Different Birds | Round Waterproof Stickers | hawk bird of prey wildlife birder outdoors audubon nature realistic
If you want variety, this sticker sheet delivers six different raptors in realistic, round designs. It is a great tool for teaching kids the difference between a hawk and a falcon. I keep a sheet like this in my field bag to hand out to new birders I meet at the Duke Farms hawk watch. At $4.25, it is a practical add-on for any bird-related purchase.
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel
This sheet covers the major birds of prey you will find along the Delaware Bay. The Osprey is especially relevant if you spend time near the Shore. I saw a pair of Ospreys rebuilding a nest on a channel marker near Stone Harbor last spring. This sticker sheet works well for scrapbooks or field journals. At $3.50, it is another budget-friendly option.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
The Peregrine Falcon is a conservation success story in New Jersey. My mom remembers when they were almost gone from the state. Now, you can see them diving off the Palisades. This retro graphic tee captures that old-school birding vibe. It costs $19.95 and the fabric feels soft enough for a long day at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
Another solid Peregrine option with a different graphic style. This one focuses more on the bird's hunting posture. I would wear this on a casual birding walk at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. For $21.22, the print quality looks good and the design is bold without being overly loud.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
This one is for the birders who also have a thing for mysticism. The tarot card design is unusual and I have not seen anything like it at the local bird club meetings. It costs $22.73 and makes a good conversation starter. My sister, who is into both birding and tarot, loved this when I showed it to her.
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
This shirt gives off a classic 70s nature documentary feel. The retro hawk design is simple and clean. I can trace this style back to the old Audubon posters my dad had in his garage. At $19.26, it is a fair price for a shirt that will get compliments from other birders at the Cape May Bird Observatory.
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
Screenprint designs tend to last longer because the ink bonds with the fabric better than some heat-pressed alternatives. This one shows a bird in mid-swoop. It is $22.65 and works well for both men and women. I would pair this with some cargo shorts and boots for a day of hawk watching at Rancocas Nature Center.
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
This is the shirt for the birder who does not take themselves too seriously. The pun is cheesy, but that is the point. I gifted a similar pun shirt to my cousin who works at the Bergen County Zoo and he wears it on bird show days. It costs $24.99 and the fit is standard unisex.
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt has a bohemian watercolor feel that stands out from the standard field guide prints. It is $19.49 and the relaxed fit makes it comfortable for all-day wear. I have found that artistic styles like this appeal to birders who also enjoy painting or sketching wildlife. It would work well at an outdoor art show or a casual festival.
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
This one is for the serious falconry crowd. The design is understated and does not scream for attention. I know a few falconers in Hunterdon County who prefer simple gear without a lot of logos. At $14.63, it is one of the most affordable options on this list and the quality holds up to frequent washing.
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover Orange County Red-Tailed Hawk Native American Bird of Prey T-Shirt
This shirt is specifically for the Red-tail fan, though the California reference might not hit the same for New Jersey residents. Still, the Red-tailed Hawk is the same species whether you are in Orange County or Orange, NJ. For $14.99, the design is bold and the message is clear. If you have family out west who also love birds, this is a good dual-purpose gift.
All Types of Animals F&L Design Co. Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
This shirt covers multiple hawk species across North America, including the Gray Hawk which is a rare find in New Jersey. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification means the fabric is tested for harmful substances, which matters if you have sensitive skin. At $19.99, the educational design makes it a good option for a kid who is getting into birding.
Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching Wildlife Design Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry Birding T-Shirt
Another watercolor design, but this one focuses on the falconry angle. The Red-tailed Hawk is a favorite among falconers because of its adaptability and hunting style. I have a friend who flies a Red-tail near the Delaware Water Gap and he would appreciate this shirt's artistic nod to the practice. It costs $17.99 and the watercolor effect looks clean without being blurry.
Where Can You See Hawks in New Jersey?
The best hawk watching in New Jersey happens during the fall migration. Cape May Point is arguably the top spot on the East Coast for watching raptors move south. You can see thousands of hawks, falcons, and eagles pass through between September and November. Other good locations include the Watchung Reservation, the Delaware Water Gap, and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge near Atlantic City.
Check out our New Jersey wildlife page for more spots and species guides.
Which New Jersey Hawk Is the Largest?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest of the common New Jersey hawks, with a wingspan reaching up to 52 inches. The Ferruginous Hawk is larger but extremely rare in the state. If you see a very large hawk sitting on a pole along the Turnpike, it is almost certainly a Red-tail.
Learn more about different species on our Red-tailed Hawk page.
What Should You Look For When Identifying New Jersey Hawks?
Focus on the tail color, belly band, and flight pattern. Red-tailed Hawks have a brick-red tail on adults. Cooper's Hawks have a rounded tail and a more slender build. Red-shouldered Hawks have a banded tail and a rusty shoulder patch. Broad-winged Hawks have a distinctive black-and-white tail band and are often seen in large kettles during migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common hawk in New Jersey?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common. You will see them year-round perched on utility poles and fence posts along highways and open fields.
Do hawks live in New Jersey all year?
Yes. Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Sharp-shinned Hawks are all year-round residents. Others, like the Broad-winged Hawk, only pass through during migration.
Can you see Peregrine Falcons in New Jersey?
Yes. Peregrine Falcons nest on bridges and skyscrapers along the coast and in cities like Newark and Jersey City. They are often seen diving at high speeds near the Palisades.
What time of year is best for hawk watching in New Jersey?
Fall migration from mid-September to late October offers the highest numbers. Cape May Point is the premier location, with some days seeing thousands of raptors pass overhead.
Are there hawks in the Pine Barrens?
Yes. Red-shouldered Hawks are common in the Pine Barrens, especially near wetlands and swamps. Listen for their distinctive whistle call.
What should I wear for hawk watching in New Jersey?
Wear neutral colors, sturdy boots, and layers. Fall mornings at Cape May can start cold and warm up quickly. A good pair of binoculars is essential. For a functional gift idea, check out our falconry t-shirts.