Hawks in New York: where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, New York hosts a variety of hawk species year-round. Your best odds are in the Hudson Valley and along the Great Lakes shorelines during fall migration. Start at the Derby Hill Bird Observatory or the Shawangunk Ridge. This guide covers where, when, and how to identify them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Bald Eagle · Steven Bodzin CC BY
Golden Eagle · er-birds CC BY
Red-tailed Hawk · Cullen Hanks CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 1,673,256
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- January, March, February
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in New York. 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
13 types of hawks recorded in New York
13 hawk species have a verified observation record in New York 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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Also recorded in New York
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Swallow-tailed KiteElanoides forficatus | Elanoides forficatus | 13 |
Plus 1 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
27,209 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in New York, most often in January, March, February.
When hawk are recorded in New York
Yes, New York hosts a variety of hawk species year-round. Your best odds are in the Hudson Valley and along the Great Lakes shorelines during fall migration. Start at the Derby Hill Bird Observatory or the Shawangunk Ridge. This guide covers where, when, and how to identify them.
Where are hawks most likely seen in New York?
The best hawk watching in New York centers on migration corridors. Top spots include Derby Hill Bird Observatory near Lake Ontario, the Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, and Montauk Point on Long Island. During fall, these sites concentrate migrant raptors. Central Park also hosts broad-winged hawks in spring. For a full list of state hotspots, check our/wildlife/new-yorkguide.
What is the best season and time of day for hawk watching?
Fall migration from mid-September through October is peak. Mornings from 8 to 11 AM offer the best activity as hawks ride thermals. Spring migration from April to early May is also good but less consistent. Overcast days with light winds can push birds lower, making spotting easier. Learn more about hawk behavior at our/animals/hawkpage.
How can you tell a hawk apart from a falcon or eagle?
Hawks have broad, rounded wings and a long, fanned tail. Falcons have pointed wings and a slender tail. Eagles are much larger with longer wings. For example, a red-tailed hawk shows a brown back, pale belly, and a reddish tail. A peregrine falcon has a dark hood and pointed wings. Use these field marks to distinguish them. For visual reference, check out our/art-printsof raptors.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Which hawk species are common in New York?
The most common is the red-tailed hawk, seen year-round across the state. Red-shouldered hawks favor woodlands near water. Broad-winged hawks are summer residents and migrate in large kettles. Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks are woodland accipiters with short wings and long tails. Northern harriers glide low over marshes. Each species has distinct markings and flight styles.
What are the best tips for spotting hawks in the field?
Look for hawks soaring in circles (thermals) or perched on high branches and utility poles. Listen for their calls: red-tailed hawks have a distinctive scream. Scan open fields and ridges with binoculars. Early morning and late afternoon are best. Carry a field guide or use our/animals/hawkidentification page for quick checks.
Hawk-themed gear and art to enhance your birding experience
Show your appreciation for these birds with some practical gear.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A comfortable tee featuring a vintage peregrine design, perfect for birding outings.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
A set of five hawk stickers to decorate your gear or journal.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A retro design that any hawk fan would appreciate.Check Price and Availability
For field identification help, consider a print of ourhawk art prints.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Where can I find more resources for hawk watching in New York?
For real-time sightings and guided trips, check out the travel widget below for local tours and accommodations.
You can also explore our/wildlife/new-yorkhub for more species guides and birding tips.
What is the best hawk migration site in New York?
Derby Hill Bird Observatory in Oswego County is widely considered the top migration site. It's located on the Lake Ontario shoreline, where hawks concentrate during fall. Spring migration is also strong. Check the observatory's daily count reports to plan your visit.
How many hawk species are there in New York?
New York regularly hosts 10 hawk species: red-tailed, red-shouldered, broad-winged, Cooper's, sharp-shinned, northern harrier, rough-legged, Swainson's (rare), ferruginous (very rare), and the occasional zone-tailed. The first six are most common. For detailed profiles, visit our/animals/hawkpage.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in New York: January, March, February
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in New York
1,673,256 verified hawk records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Fire Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- National Parks of New York Harbor · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Jones Beach SP · 343 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge · 329 species recorded
- Robert Moses SP · 329 species recorded
- Jones Beach SP--West End · 322 species recorded
- Braddock Bay · 312 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond · 306 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in New York?+
The best hawk watching in New York centers on migration corridors. Top spots include Derby Hill Bird Observatory near Lake Ontario, the Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, and Montauk Point on Long Island. During fall, these sites concentrate migrant raptors. Central Park also hosts broad-winged hawks in spring. For a full list of state hotspots, check our/wildlife/new-yorkguide.
Where can you see hawks in New York?+
The best hawk watching in New York centers on migration corridors. Top spots include Derby Hill Bird Observatory near Lake Ontario, the Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, and Montauk Point on Long Island. During fall, these sites concentrate migrant raptors. Central Park also hosts broad-winged hawks in spring. For a full list of state hotspots, check our/wildlife/new-yorkguide.
When is the best time to see hawks in New York?+
The best hawk watching in New York centers on migration corridors. Top spots include Derby Hill Bird Observatory near Lake Ontario, the Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, and Montauk Point on Long Island. During fall, these sites concentrate migrant raptors. Central Park also hosts broad-winged hawks in spring. For a full list of state hotspots, check our/wildlife/new-yorkguide.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in New York
Common questions about hawks