Hawks in Tennessee: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
Hawks do show up in Tennessee, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Red-shouldered Hawk · Stosh Morency CC BY
Red-shouldered Hawk · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Bald Eagle · Mark Jefferson Lawrence CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 410,003
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- December, January, November
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee
12 hawk species have a verified observation record in Tennessee 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 4 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
12,181 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in December, January, November.
When hawk are recorded in Tennessee
Hawks do show up in Tennessee, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
Where in Tennessee are hawk sightings most likely?
Hawks in Tennessee are most often seen in the eastern part of the state along the Appalachian ridges and in the western floodplains near the Mississippi River. Look for them along power lines, fence rows, and open fields. For consistent views, check out the overlooks at Radnor Lake State Park or the grasslands of the Cumberland Plateau. For more on Tennessee birding hotspots, visit ourTennessee wildlife page.
In Tennessee, 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 or time of day to spot hawks in Tennessee?
Fall migration from September through November is prime hawk-watching, with thousands passing through. Spring migration (March to May) also offers good opportunities. The best time of day is early morning, shortly after sunrise, when hawks start hunting. Late afternoon can also be productive. For tips on hawk behavior throughout the year, check out ourhawk identification guide.
How can you identify a hawk compared to similar species?
Differentiating hawks from vultures or eagles comes down to wing shape and flight style. Hawks have broad, rounded wings and a long tail; they flap in a steady, rowing motion. Turkey vultures hold their wings in a V-shape and teeter. Bald eagles are much larger with flat wings. Look for the reddish tail of a red-tailed hawk or the banded tail of a Cooper's hawk. For more details, see ourhawk identification page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the most common hawk species found in Tennessee?
The red-tailed hawk is the most widespread, seen sitting on poles along highways. Red-shouldered hawks prefer wet woodlands and are often heard before seen. Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks are smaller and specialize in bird hunting. Broad-winged hawks are common in forests during migration. Rare visitors include the northern goshawk in the mountains.
Where are the top birding locations for hawks in Tennessee?
Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville offers year-round red-tailed and red-shouldered hawk views. Reelfoot Lake in the northwest is excellent during migration. For mountain species, head to the Cherohala Skyway or Clingmans Dome. Many state parks have hawk watches in fall. Check out ourTennessee wildlife pagefor more locations.
What hawk-themed gear and art can enhance your birding experience?
For those who want to take their interest further, Easy Street Markets offers a selection of hawk-themed items. Wear your interest with the **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee**, featuring a vintage design.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A comfortable tee for birders who appreciate classic falconry designs.Check Price and Availability
Decorate your gear with the **5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)**, featuring bird of prey artwork.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird
Perfect for water bottles, laptops, or field notebooks.Check Price and Availability
For a unique style, try the **Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt**, blending bird imagery with mysticism.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A conversation starter for birders and art lovers alike.Check Price and Availability
Browse more bird-inspired items in ourart prints collection.
What are some common questions about hawks in Tennessee?
**Do hawks live in Tennessee year-round?** Yes, species like red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks are permanent residents. Others migrate through.
**What is the largest hawk in Tennessee?** The red-tailed hawk, with a wingspan up to 56 inches. Ferruginous hawks are rare but larger.
**Can I attract hawks to my yard?** Not directly, but providing a habitat for small mammals (like voles) may increase sightings. Avoid using poisons that harm raptors.
**Are hawks protected in Tennessee?** Yes, all raptors are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
**Where can I report a hawk sighting?** The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency tracks raptors; consider submitting sightings to eBird.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Tennessee: December, January, November
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Tennessee
410,003 verified hawk records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms · 321 species recorded
- Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) · 316 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit · 314 species recorded
- Shelby Farms Park--Conservancy/Penal Farm · 296 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Refuge Rd. Wildlife Loop · 286 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Big Sandy Unit · 284 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Tennessee?+
Hawks in Tennessee are most often seen in the eastern part of the state along the Appalachian ridges and in the western floodplains near the Mississippi River. Look for them along power lines, fence rows, and open fields. For consistent views, check out the overlooks at Radnor Lake State Park or the grasslands of the Cumberland Plateau. For more on Tennessee birding hotspots, visit ourTennessee wildlife page. In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?+
Hawks in Tennessee are most often seen in the eastern part of the state along the Appalachian ridges and in the western floodplains near the Mississippi River. Look for them along power lines, fence rows, and open fields. For consistent views, check out the overlooks at Radnor Lake State Park or the grasslands of the Cumberland Plateau. For more on Tennessee birding hotspots, visit ourTennessee wildlife page. In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?+
Hawks in Tennessee are most often seen in the eastern part of the state along the Appalachian ridges and in the western floodplains near the Mississippi River. Look for them along power lines, fence rows, and open fields. For consistent views, check out the overlooks at Radnor Lake State Park or the grasslands of the Cumberland Plateau. For more on Tennessee birding hotspots, visit ourTennessee wildlife page. In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Common questions about hawks