Hawks in Pennsylvania: where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, hawks are common across Pennsylvania year-round. The best places to spot them include Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Appalachian Trail corridor, and rural farmlands. Most sightings occur during fall migration (September to November) and in early morning. Look for broad-winged hawks, red-tailed hawks, and Cooper's hawks.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Northern Harrier · Bill Keim CC BY
Bald Eagle · Public domain CC0
Sharp-shinned Hawk · Troy B CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 1,552,130
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- March, April, November
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in Pennsylvania. 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
12 types of hawks recorded in Pennsylvania
12 hawk species have a verified observation record in Pennsylvania 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
12
Plus 2 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
25,854 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Pennsylvania, most often in March, April, November.
When hawk are recorded in Pennsylvania
Yes, hawks are common across Pennsylvania year-round. The best places to spot them include Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Appalachian Trail corridor, and rural farmlands. Most sightings occur during fall migration (September to November) and in early morning. Look for broad-winged hawks, red-tailed hawks, and Cooper's hawks.
Where in Pennsylvania are hawks most likely seen?
Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats that support several hawk species. Start with the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, especially Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, known for fall raptor counts. The rolling farmlands of Lancaster and Chester Counties also host red-tailed hawks. Forested areas in the Pocono region and along the Susquehanna River are good for Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. For a detailed overview, check out ourPennsylvania wildlife pageand thehawk identification guide.
In Pennsylvania, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
What is the best season and time of day to spot hawks?
Fall migration from September through November is the peak season for hawk watching in Pennsylvania. Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best activity as hawks ride thermals. Spring migration (March to May) is also productive but shorter. In summer, look for resident hawks like red-tails and broad-wingeds in open areas. Winter brings northern harriers and rough-legged hawks to the state.
How to identify common hawk species in Pennsylvania?
Red-tailed hawks are the most common. Look for their broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail with a reddish top. Broad-winged hawks have a distinctive black-and-white banded tail. Cooper's hawks are smaller with a long, banded tail and rounded wings; they often hunt at bird feeders. Compare with sharp-shinned hawks which have a square tail and smaller head. For more details, see ourcomprehensive hawk species page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the key differences between hawks and similar birds like falcons and eagles?
Hawks have broader wings and shorter tails compared to falcons. Peregrine falcons have pointed wings and a mustache mark. Bald eagles are much larger with a white head and tail. Turkey vultures rock in flight with wings held in a V. Knowing these differences helps in the field.
When and where to go for hawk watching in Pennsylvania?
Top hawk watching sites include Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (daily count in fall), Tuscarora State Forest, and the Allegheny Front. Many state parks also host hawk watches; check the Pennsylvania Audubon calendar. The best odds are from mid-September to late October. Visit ourPennsylvania wildlife pagefor more regional guides.
What hawk-themed gear can help you show your interest?
After a day of spotting, browse our selection of hawk-themed items.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A retro graphic tee featuring a peregrine falcon, perfect for bird lovers.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird
A set of five hawk stickers for your gear or notebook.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A vintage-style shirt for hawk enthusiasts.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A unique tarot card design featuring a hawk.Check Price and Availability
For more art, browse ourbird wall art collection.
Frequently asked questions about hawks in Pennsylvania?
**Are hawks protected in Pennsylvania?** Yes, all hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
**What is the smallest hawk in Pennsylvania?** The sharp-shinned hawk is the smallest.
**Can hawks be found in urban areas?** Yes, Cooper's hawks often nest in city parks and suburbs.
**Do hawks migrate through Pennsylvania?** Many species migrate, with broad-winged hawks forming large kettles in fall.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Pennsylvania: March, April, November
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Pennsylvania
1,552,130 verified hawk records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- 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
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Presque Isle SP (IBA) · 345 species recorded
- John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.) · 306 species recorded
- Middle Creek WMA (IBA) (Lancaster Co.) · 296 species recorded
- Peace Valley Park (IBA) · 296 species recorded
- Green Lane Park · 293 species recorded
- Presque Isle SP--Gull Pt. · 293 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats that support several hawk species. Start with the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, especially Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, known for fall raptor counts. The rolling farmlands of Lancaster and Chester Counties also host red-tailed hawks. Forested areas in the Pocono region and along the Susquehanna River are good for Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. For a detailed overview, check out ourPennsylvania wildlife pageand thehawk identification guide. In Pennsylvania, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
Where can you see hawks in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats that support several hawk species. Start with the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, especially Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, known for fall raptor counts. The rolling farmlands of Lancaster and Chester Counties also host red-tailed hawks. Forested areas in the Pocono region and along the Susquehanna River are good for Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. For a detailed overview, check out ourPennsylvania wildlife pageand thehawk identification guide. In Pennsylvania, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
When is the best time to see hawks in Pennsylvania?+
Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats that support several hawk species. Start with the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, especially Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, known for fall raptor counts. The rolling farmlands of Lancaster and Chester Counties also host red-tailed hawks. Forested areas in the Pocono region and along the Susquehanna River are good for Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. For a detailed overview, check out ourPennsylvania wildlife pageand thehawk identification guide. In Pennsylvania, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Pennsylvania