Hawks in Oklahoma: Species Guide & Gifts
Explore the hawks of Oklahoma including the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and American Kestrel. Find unique gifts like t-shirts and stickers for bird lovers.
The Short Answer: Oklahoma is home to several resident and migratory hawk species, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and the American Kestrel (a small falcon). These birds of prey thrive in the state's mix of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. If you know someone who loves spotting these raptors, a t-shirt or sticker showing their favorite species makes a great gift.
What are the most common hawks in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma's diverse habitats support a solid variety of raptors. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common and widespread, often seen perched on fence posts along highways. You also see Cooper's Hawks in suburban backyards and Red-shouldered Hawks in wet bottomland forests. The Sharp-shinned Hawk visits during migration, and the American Kestrel, which is actually a small falcon, is a common sight on rural power lines.
What is the largest hawk in Oklahoma?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest buteo in the state. Adults can have a wingspan of up to 56 inches. I have a distinct memory from 2022 watching one launch off an oak tree near Lake Hefner; the wingspan was shocking, even from a distance. They are bulky, powerful birds built for hunting rabbits and squirrels.
Red-tailed Hawk Gifts
The Red-tail is the iconic "roadside hawk" across North America. If you or someone you know spots these regularly around Oklahoma, these items hit the mark.
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover Orange County Red-Tailed Hawk Native American Bird of Prey T-Shirt
A simple, proud shirt for fans of the Red-tail. This design includes a "Native American" style motif that pairs well with the hawk's iconic look. It is a cotton tee that works for casual wear or a birding outing. The fit is standard, so order your usual size.
Check Price and Availability
All Types of Animals F&L Design Co. Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
This shirt shows several North American hawk species, including the Red-tailed and Gray Hawk. It is an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified product, meaning it is tested for harmful substances. A good choice for someone who wants a shirt that lists the birds they might see.
Check Price and Availability
Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching Wildlife Design Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry Birding T-Shirt
A watercolor style Red-tail design that makes the bird look almost like art. It is a softer, more artistic take compared to the hard graphic designs. Good for birdwatching outings or a day at the park. The cotton blend is soft and comfortable.
Check Price and Availability
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker, water-resistant, bird lover gift, birding birdwatching birder birds of prey raptor
A water-resistant vinyl sticker showing a Red-tailed Hawk in detail. Stick it on a water bottle, car window, or laptop. The size is small enough to fit on a phone case but big enough to show the bird's detail. My mom has had one on her Yeti for over two years, and it still looks new.
Check Price and Availability
What makes a Peregrine Falcon different from a Hawk?
Peregrine Falcons are falcons, not hawks. The difference is in wing shape and hunting style. Falcons have long, pointed wings built for speed and dive-bombing prey. Hawks (like Red-tails) have broad, rounded wings and fan-shaped tails for soaring and gliding. Peregrines are the fastest animals on earth, hitting over 200 mph in a stoop dive.
Peregrine Falcon Gifts
Peregrines are not technically hawks, but they share the "bird of prey" category and are often admired by the same people. These gifts appeal to anyone who loves speed and aerial power.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A retro-style shirt with a Peregrine Falcon design. The graphic has a vintage feel that fits well with birding or casual wear. The print is high quality and holds up through washes. For $19.95, it is a solid deal for a bird shirt that looks like it came from an old national park gift shop.
Check Price and Availability
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
A straightforward design showing the Peregrine in flight. The shirt is a good conversation starter for anyone who has seen these birds on a cliffside or downtown building. Peregrines have made a strong comeback in Oklahoma, so this shirt tracks with local wildlife restoration.
Check Price and Availability
Falconer and Pun Gifts
For those who appreciate the sport of falconry or just a good bird pun, these options bring personality.
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
A shirt for the falconer in your life. It shows the silhouette of a person with a hawk on their arm. The design is clean and not too busy. For anyone who practices or admires falconry, this is a straightforward gift. It is a budget-friendly option at $14.63.
Check Price and Availability
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
The perfect shirt for the person who loves bird puns. "Hawkward" is printed in bold letters with a cartoon hawk. It is a fun, lighthearted option for casual wear. My nephew wore one to a family cookout and got a dozen laughs. It is a soft cotton shirt that wears well.
Check Price and Availability
What small hawk can you see in Oklahoma?
The Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk are both accipiters, which means they are "bird hawks" with short wings and long tails. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest, about the size of a Blue Jay. The Cooper's Hawk is larger, about crow-sized, and is a common backyard predator of songbirds. Both are fast, agile fliers built for weaving through trees.
Sticker and Graphic Gifts for Bird Lovers
Stickers are a low-cost way to show off your favorite bird. These packs and singles cover multiple species you see in Oklahoma.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A unique design that turns the hawk into a tarot card. The "Hawk" tarot card has a mystical, detailed look. It is a good gift for someone who likes birds and symbolism. The shirt is comfortable and the print stays sharp after multiple washes.
Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A classic retro design that looks like an old park poster. The style is simple, showing a single hawk in flight with "Hawk" written below. It works for men and women. The fabric is a standard cotton blend that feels broken in from the start.
Check Price and Availability
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt has a boho watercolor style that stands out from standard bird shirts. The design is soft and artsy, fitting for outdoor festivals or a casual day out. It is a nice choice if you want a shirt that looks less like a field guide and more like wall art.
Check Price and Availability
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
A screenprint of a hawk in a dynamic dive pose. The contrast is sharp, making the bird pop off the fabric. It is a good casual shirt for anyone who enjoys spotting raptors. The print is durable and resists cracking.
Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird
A set of five different hawk stickers for your car, laptop, or gear. Each sticker shows a different hunting posture or species. They are made for outdoor use with good adhesion. I stuck one on my truck bumper and it held up through an Oklahoma summer.
Check Price and Availability
Raptor Sticker Sheets | 6 Different Birds | Round Waterproof Stickers | hawk bird of prey wildlife birder outdoors audubon nature realistic
A sheet of six round stickers showing different raptors including hawks and falcons. The designs are realistic and detailed. These are waterproof and work well for water bottles and outdoor gear. A good value at $4.25 for a variety pack.
Check Price and Availability
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel
A beautiful sticker sheet featuring five distinct birds of prey: Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, and Kestrel. Each is labeled, making it a fun educational tool as well as a decoration. Great for a kid who loves birds or a adult who wants to decorate their gear with local species. These are printed on durable vinyl.
Check Price and Availability
Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt (Alternative Design)
This is the same design from the OEKO-TEX option but worth noting for species awareness. The shirt lists several North American species, making it a walking field guide. The Gray Hawk is less common in Oklahoma but can be seen in the far south.
What is the best time of year to see hawks in Oklahoma?
The best time for hawk watching in Oklahoma is during fall migration (September through November). Thousands of raptors move south along the Central Flyway. Spring migration (March through May) is also good, but fall offers the biggest numbers. Look for them at state parks like Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and along the Arkansas River.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee | $19.95 | T-Shirt | Vintage style lovers |
| Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt | $22.73 | T-Shirt | Mystical / symbolic design |
| Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt | $19.26 | T-Shirt | Classic bird art |
| Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt | $21.22 | T-Shirt | Peregrine fans |
| Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt | $22.65 | T-Shirt | Bold contrast design |
| 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) | $13.19 | Stickers | Multiple car/gear stickers |
| Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt | $24.99 | T-Shirt | Humor gift |
| Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt | $19.49 | T-Shirt | Boho / watercolor style |
| Red-tailed Hawk Sticker | $2.75 | Sticker | Single high-quality sticker |
| Falconer Graphic T-Shirt | $14.63 | T-Shirt | Falconry gift |
| Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 birds) | $4.25 | Stickers | Variety pack of round stickers |
| Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet | $3.50 | Stickers | Educational 5-bird sheet |
| Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt | $14.99 | T-Shirt | Budget Red-tail shirt |
| All Types of Animals Hawks North America T-Shirt | $19.99 | T-Shirt | Species list shirt |
| Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk T-Shirt | $17.99 | T-Shirt | Artistic watercolor |
FAQs about Hawks in Oklahoma
Do hawks live in Oklahoma year-round?
Yes. Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Cooper's Hawks are year-round residents. Sharp-shinned Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks pass through during migration. Some Rough-legged Hawks visit from the arctic during winter.
What is the smallest bird of prey in Oklahoma?
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in Oklahoma. It is about the size of a mourning dove. Males have blue-gray wings and a rusty back. They are common on rural roads and in open fields.
Are hawks protected in Oklahoma?
Yes. All raptors are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You cannot keep a hawk as a pet or disturb an active nest. Falconry requires a state and federal permit and is regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Where can I see a variety of hawks in Oklahoma?
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is the top spot. The mix of prairie and rocky outcrops attracts multiple species. The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area in the southeast is also excellent for Red-shouldered Hawks and Swallow-tailed Kites.
What do hawks eat in Oklahoma?
They eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large insects. Red-tailed Hawks focus on rodents and rabbits. Cooper's Hawks target songbirds. American Kestrels eat grasshoppers and other bugs.
Do I need a permit to fly a hawk in Oklahoma?
Yes. Falconry is regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. You must pass a test, pass a facility inspection, and get a state and federal permit. It is a serious commitment, not a hobby.
How do I identify a hawk versus a falcon?
Check the wings in flight. Hawks soar with wide, rounded wings. Falcons flap fast and fly with pointed, swept-back wings. At a glance: if it looks like a fighter jet, it is a falcon. If it looks like a cargo plane, it is a hawk.
Looking for gifts for a birder who loves other Oklahoma wildlife? Check out our guides on Oklahoma wildlife gifts or birds of prey t-shirts.