9 Types of Hawks in South Carolina
South Carolina hosts several hawk species year-round, with Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned Hawks being the most common. The best odds for sightings are in open woodlands near marshes and along coastal parks during fall migration. Start with the species below to build your ID skills.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- January, May, February
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
9 types of hawks recorded in South Carolina
9 hawk species have a verified observation record in South Carolina 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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Plus 3 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
8,249 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in South Carolina, most often in January, May, February.
South Carolina hosts several hawk species year-round, with Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned Hawks being the most common. The best odds for sightings are in open woodlands near marshes and along coastal parks during fall migration. Start with the species below to build your ID skills.
1. What types of hawks are most common in South Carolina?
The state's resident hawks include the Red-tailed Hawk (pale belly with dark belly band), Red-shouldered Hawk (barred reddish chest and broad white tail bands), Cooper's Hawk (adult has a dark cap and thick barred chest), and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk (squared tail, less bulky). Migrants like the Broad-winged Hawk pass through in large numbers during September and October. For a complete overview of all species, visit our mainhawk identification hub.
2. Where in South Carolina do you usually see hawks?
Your best odds are along the coast in places like Huntington Beach State Park, the ACE Basin, and the Savannah River corridor. Inland, the Sumter National Forest and mountain ridges near Caesars Head provide good vantage points. Red-shouldered Hawks prefer wet woodlands, while Red-tails stick to open fields and highway edges. For a broader look at the state's wildlife habitats, check ourSouth Carolina wildlife overview.
3. When is the best time of year to spot hawks?
Fall migration from late August through November offers the highest diversity, especially during northwest winds after a cold front. Mid-October is peak for Broad-winged Hawk flights. Spring migration is more spread out from March to May. Year-round residents are easier to spot in winter when leaves are down and hawks perch conspicuously along roadsides.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How do you identify a Red-shouldered Hawk?
Look for a medium-sized hawk with a heavily barred orange-red chest and bold black-and-white bands on the tail. In flight, the translucent crescents near the wingtips are a reliable marker. They often call with a repeated kee-ahh sound while soaring. Juveniles have brown streaks but retain the tail pattern. Compare this with the bulkier Red-tailed Hawk, which shows a dark belly band and a solid reddish tail on adults.
5. How can you tell a Cooper's Hawk from a Sharp-shinned Hawk?
Size is the first clue: Cooper's Hawks are crow-sized (16 inches long) while Sharp-shinned Hawks are jay-sized (11 inches). Cooper's have a rounded tail tip and a distinct dark cap that contrasts with a pale nape. Sharp-shinned Hawks have a square-tipped tail and a more uniformly dark head. In flight, Cooper's flaps slowly and glides with wrists held flat, while Sharp-shinned's wings are pushed forward with rapid flaps.
6. How can you plan a hawk-watching trip in South Carolina?
Head to the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area near Caesars Head State Park in October for the official hawk watch. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and layers for cool ridge winds. For a relaxed option, walk the boardwalk at Huntington Beach State Park and scan the salt marsh edges. Use the planning widget below to find lodging and directions:
7. What are the key field marks for identifying Red-tailed Hawks in South Carolina?
Red-tailed Hawks are the largest and most widespread hawk in the state. Adults show a distinctive brick-red tail that contrasts with their pale body and dark belly band. Juveniles have brown tails with dark bands and can be trickier to identify. Look for the patagial mark (a dark patch at the bend of the wing) which is visible when the hawk is soaring. They often perch on power lines and snags along roadsides. The pale head with a dark malar stripe is another reliable feature at close range.
8. Can you find Sharp-shinned Hawks hunting in suburban South Carolina?
Yes. While Sharp-shinned Hawks breed mainly in the northern and western parts of the state, they pass through in significant numbers during spring and fall migration. In late fall and winter, some wintering birds show up around bird feeders and in parks with dense shrubs and small trees, hunting songbirds for food. They are the smallest hawk species in the region and will make unexpected passes through suburban yards. Watch for the characteristic rapid wing flaps and quick directional changes during their hunting flights.
9. What should you know about Broad-winged Hawks in South Carolina?
Broad-winged Hawks are summer breeders in the forested regions of upstate South Carolina, and they concentrate into dramatic migratory flocks from late August through October. During peak migration, thousands can pass through in a single day along ridge lines. Adults show broad black-and-white tail bands and rusty barring on the chest. Juveniles are brownish with heavily streaked undersides. These medium-sized, stocky hawks hunt small animals from perches or by hovering. They are one of the most numerous raptors during fall migration in the region.
10. Are there any rare hawk species to look for in South Carolina?
Swainson's and Ferruginous Hawks show up very rarely during migration, mostly along the coast after strong weather systems. Swainson's Hawks are occasional visitors in fall and have a distinctive two-toned appearance with dark patagial marks. Ferruginous Hawks are accidental visitors from the western prairies and appear even less frequently. Other rare sightings include Rough-legged Hawks (irregular winter visitors) and very occasional Goshawks. Most birders in the state will spend years before spotting these species, so focus on mastering the common residents and regular migrants first.
11. Frequently asked questions about hawk behavior and safety?
What should I do if I find an injured hawk? Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Do not attempt to handle the bird yourself. Is it illegal to harm a hawk? Yes, all hawk species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Possessing feathers, nests, or eggs is also prohibited without a permit. Do hawks attack humans? Hawk attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare. They will defend their nests vigorously, but they actively avoid people. What sounds do hawks make? Different species produce different calls, from the kee-ahh of Red-shouldered Hawks to the sharp kik-kik-kik of Cooper's Hawks chasing prey.
12. What hawk-themed gear can help you remember your sightings?
After a great day in the field, a shirt or sticker can keep the memory close. Consider these picks:
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee []() A classic retro design that pairs well with any birding outing. Soft fabric and a relaxed fit make it ideal for layering on cool mornings. Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) []() Five different hawk illustrations perfect for decorating a water bottle, notebook, or field journal. Weather resistant and easy to apply. Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt []() A faded retro print that captures the look of classic nature posters. Comfortable cotton blend for everyday wear. Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in South Carolina?+
The state's resident hawks include the Red-tailed Hawk (pale belly with dark belly band), Red-shouldered Hawk (barred reddish chest and broad white tail bands), Cooper's Hawk (adult has a dark cap and thick barred chest), and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk (squared tail, less bulky). Migrants like the Broad-winged Hawk pass through in large numbers during September and October. For a complete overview of all species, visit our mainhawk identification hub.
Where can you see hawks in South Carolina?+
The state's resident hawks include the Red-tailed Hawk (pale belly with dark belly band), Red-shouldered Hawk (barred reddish chest and broad white tail bands), Cooper's Hawk (adult has a dark cap and thick barred chest), and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk (squared tail, less bulky). Migrants like the Broad-winged Hawk pass through in large numbers during September and October. For a complete overview of all species, visit our mainhawk identification hub.
When is the best time to see hawks in South Carolina?+
The state's resident hawks include the Red-tailed Hawk (pale belly with dark belly band), Red-shouldered Hawk (barred reddish chest and broad white tail bands), Cooper's Hawk (adult has a dark cap and thick barred chest), and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk (squared tail, less bulky). Migrants like the Broad-winged Hawk pass through in large numbers during September and October. For a complete overview of all species, visit our mainhawk identification hub.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in South Carolina
Common questions about hawks