Hawks in Tennessee: identification guide and where to start looking

1. What are the most common hawk species in Tennessee?

Tennessee hosts five breeding hawk species. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread, often seen perched on poles or circling over fields. The Red-shouldered Hawk prefers wooded streams and swamps. Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk are accipiters that hunt birds in suburbs and forests. The Broad-winged Hawk passes through during migration but is less common in summer.

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2. How can you tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Red-shouldered Hawk?

The Red-tailed Hawk has a reddish tail (adults) and a belly band of dark feathers, while the Red-shouldered Hawk shows a black-and-white checkerboard pattern on its wings and a reddish chest. In flight, Red-tails have broader wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. Red-shouldered Hawks have narrower wings and a longer tail with narrow white bands. Immature Red-tails lack the red tail but still have the belly band.

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3. Where in Tennessee are you most likely to spot a hawk?

Start with the Cumberland Plateau and Great Valley near Knoxville. Open farmland along the Tennessee River, such as around Nashville and Memphis, also holds many Red-tails. For accipiters, try suburban bird feeders where Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks hunt. Check /wildlife/tennessee for more local spotting tips. The eastern mountains provide good vantage points during fall migration.

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4. When is the best season for hawk watching in Tennessee?

Fall migration from mid-September to early November offers the highest numbers, especially at hawk watches like the East Tennessee Hawk Watch at Bell Mountain. Spring migration is more spread out from March to May. Resident species are visible year-round, but winter is excellent because leaves are gone and hawks perch more visibly along roadsides. Summer mornings and late afternoons are best for local hunting activity.

5. What are the key field marks to identify hawks in flight?

Focus on wing shape, tail length, and underwing patterns. Red-tailed Hawks have a dark leading edge on the underwing (patagial marks) and a short, broad tail. Red-shouldered Hawks show translucent crescents near the wingtips. Cooper's Hawks have a long, rounded tail and a rounded head, while Sharp-shinned Hawks have a square-tipped tail and a small head. Use these markers to separate lookalikes confidently.

6. How do juvenile hawks differ from adults?

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawks have a brown tail with many narrow bars instead of the adult's solid reddish tail. They also lack the red shoulder patches. Young Cooper's Hawks have brown streaks on the chest rather than the fine barring of adults. Many juvenile buteos have more mottled underparts. Age and molt can make identification tricky, so always rely on structure and behavior as well as plumage.

7. What gear can help you get closer looks at hawks?

A good pair of binoculars with 8x or 10x magnification helps you spot field marks from a distance. For recording sightings, a small notebook or phone app works. If you want to show off your hawk enthusiasm, check out these items from Easy Street Markets. They make great gifts for birders and help fund our wildlife guides.

### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee

This retro tee features a stylized peregrine falcon, a close relative of hawks. It's a comfortable way to show your love for birds of prey on casual outings.Check Price and Availability

### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces): Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird

A set of five hawk-themed stickers for your gear, notebook, or car. Each piece shows a different raptor pose, perfect for adding some birding flair to your field kit.Check Price and Availability

### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt

A unique tarot-inspired design featuring a hawk. Great for birders who also enjoy a touch of mysticism. The soft fabric makes it a favorite for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability

For more hawk-themed art and decor, browse ourbird wall artcollection.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about hawks in Tennessee

**Do hawks live in Tennessee year-round?** Yes, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned Hawks are all year-round residents. Broad-winged Hawks are summer residents and migrants.

**What is the largest hawk in Tennessee?** The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest, with a wingspan up to 56 inches. The Rough-legged Hawk is a rare winter visitor from the Arctic that can be similar in size.

**Can I see hawks in my backyard in Tennessee?** Yes, especially if you have bird feeders that attract small birds. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks frequently hunt in suburban yards. Use a feeder with a safety zone to help songbirds.

**Are there any hawk watching events in Tennessee?** The East Tennessee Hawk Watch at Bell Mountain in October is a popular migration count. Many state parks host raptor ID walks in fall. Check /animals/hawk for updates.

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