13 Types of Hawks in New York
New York is home to several hawk species, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. The best way to start is learning key field marks and visiting known hawk watch sites during migration. This guide covers the most common types and how to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
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.
New York is home to several hawk species, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. The best way to start is learning key field marks and visiting known hawk watch sites during migration. This guide covers the most common types and how to tell them apart.
What are the most common hawk species in New York?
The most frequently seen hawks in New York are Red-tailed Hawks (common statewide, especially open areas), Red-shouldered Hawks (wooded wetlands), Cooper's Hawks (suburban backyards), Sharp-shinned Hawks (woodland edges), and Broad-winged Hawks (migratory, seen in large flocks). For detailed ID tips, check out ourHawk identification guide.
In New York, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?
Red-tailed Hawks have a distinctive brick-red tail (when adult) and a dark band across the belly. Red-shouldered Hawks have reddish barring on the chest and a translucent crescent at the base of their primary feathers when seen from below. Their tails are black with narrow white bands. Pay attention to tail color and wing shape in flight.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in New York. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
Where are the best places in New York to spot hawks?
Top hawk-watching locations include Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch (near Oneonta), Derby Hill Bird Observatory (Lake Ontario), and the Shawangunk Ridge (Minnewaska State Park). These sites attract migratory raptors each fall. For more state spotting tips, visit ourNew York wildlife hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year for hawk watching in New York?
Spring migration runs from mid-March to early May, with peak Broad-winged Hawk flights in late April. Fall migration is more extended from September through November, with Red-tailed Hawks moving through October. Early morning after a cold front often yields the best flights. For seasonal guides, see ourNew York wildlife page.
What are the key field marks to identify hawks in flight?
Focus on wing shape: buteos (like Red-tailed) have broad, rounded wings; accipiters (like Cooper's) have shorter, rounded wings and long tails; falcons have pointed wings. Also note tail pattern and length. A soaring Red-tailed shows a pale underside with dark leading edge; a Cooper's shows a rounded tail with white tip. Practice with binoculars to catch these details.
Use this tool to plan your hawk watching trip in New York
To find nearby hawk watch sites and check migration timing, use this interactive tool:
This resource helps you locate active hawkwatches and recent sightings.
What gear helps with hawk identification and appreciation?
A good field guide and binoculars are essential. For a tangible reminder of your sightings, consider these hawk-themed items:
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
This cotton tee features a retro-style peregrine falcon design, perfect for casual wear.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
A set of five hawk stickers featuring birds of prey, great for decorating gear or notebooks.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A artistic t-shirt with a hawk tarot card illustration for bird lovers.Check Price and Availability
For wall art,browse our bird art prints.
Frequently asked questions about hawks in New York
**What is the smallest hawk in New York?** The Sharp-shinned Hawk, about the size of a Blue Jay. **Do hawks live in New York City?** Yes, Red-tailed Hawks nest in Central Park and other parks. **How can I identify a hawk from a falcon?** Falcons have pointed wings and a dark 'mustache' mark; hawks have broader wings. For more details, revisit ourHawk identification guide.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common hawk species in New York?+
The most frequently seen hawks in New York are Red-tailed Hawks (common statewide, especially open areas), Red-shouldered Hawks (wooded wetlands), Cooper's Hawks (suburban backyards), Sharp-shinned Hawks (woodland edges), and Broad-winged Hawks (migratory, seen in large flocks). For detailed ID tips, check out ourHawk identification guide. In New York, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?+
Red-tailed Hawks have a distinctive brick-red tail (when adult) and a dark band across the belly. Red-shouldered Hawks have reddish barring on the chest and a translucent crescent at the base of their primary feathers when seen from below. Their tails are black with narrow white bands. Pay attention to tail color and wing shape in flight. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in New York. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
Where are the best places in New York to spot hawks?+
Top hawk-watching locations include Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch (near Oneonta), Derby Hill Bird Observatory (Lake Ontario), and the Shawangunk Ridge (Minnewaska State Park). These sites attract migratory raptors each fall. For more state spotting tips, visit ourNew York wildlife hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year for hawk watching in New York?+
Spring migration runs from mid-March to early May, with peak Broad-winged Hawk flights in late April. Fall migration is more extended from September through November, with Red-tailed Hawks moving through October. Early morning after a cold front often yields the best flights. For seasonal guides, see ourNew York wildlife page.
What are the key field marks to identify hawks in flight?+
Focus on wing shape: buteos (like Red-tailed) have broad, rounded wings; accipiters (like Cooper's) have shorter, rounded wings and long tails; falcons have pointed wings. Also note tail pattern and length. A soaring Red-tailed shows a pale underside with dark leading edge; a Cooper's shows a rounded tail with white tip. Practice with binoculars to catch these details.
What gear helps with hawk identification and appreciation?+
A good field guide and binoculars are essential. For a tangible reminder of your sightings, consider these hawk-themed items: ### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee This cotton tee features a retro-style peregrine falcon design, perfect for casual wear.Check Price and Availability ### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) A set of five hawk stickers featuring birds of prey, great for decorating gear or notebooks.Check Price and Availability ### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt A artistic t-shirt with a hawk tarot card illustration for bird lovers.Check Price and Availability For wall art,browse our bird art prints.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in New York