12 Types of Hawks in Tennessee
Tennessee's diverse habitats, from the mountains of the east to the Mississippi Delta in the west, host a remarkable variety of hawk species. Year-round residents like Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks share the landscape with seasonal migrants and less common visitors. During fall migration, thousands of raptors funnel through the state's ridgelines and open country, making September and October prime birding months. Whether you are scanning highway power lines, forest edges, or open agricultural fields, understanding which species to expect and how to identify them is the first step to becoming confident in hawk spotting. Start your search in locations where hawks hunt: open fields, forest boundaries, water edges, and perches with commanding views.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- December, January, November
- peak months
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.
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10
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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
Tennessee's diverse habitats, from the mountains of the east to the Mississippi Delta in the west, host a remarkable variety of hawk species. Year-round residents like Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks share the landscape with seasonal migrants and less common visitors. During fall migration, thousands of raptors funnel through the state's ridgelines and open country, making September and October prime birding months. Whether you are scanning highway power lines, forest edges, or open agricultural fields, understanding which species to expect and how to identify them is the first step to becoming confident in hawk spotting. Start your search in locations where hawks hunt: open fields, forest boundaries, water edges, and perches with commanding views.
What are the most useful ID markers for identifying Tennessee hawks?
Focus on size, tail shape, and wing proportions. Red-tailed Hawks show a rounded tail and broad wings. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks have square tails and narrower wings. Steer clear of the common mistake: Cooper's is larger and has a rounded head, while Sharp-shinned has a small, flat head. Belly band patterns and underside barring also help. Check ourfull hawk identification guidefor more detail.
Where in Tennessee do people most often spot hawks first?
Start with open agricultural areas like the Mississippi Delta or the Cumberland Plateau. Forest edges near the Great Smoky Mountains are also reliable. Many first sightings happen along highways perching on power lines or fence posts. The Reelfoot Lake area is a hotspot for migrating hawks. For more Tennessee wildlife tips, visit ourTennessee wildlife hub.
When is the best season or time of day for confident hawk sightings?
Fall migration (September through October) offers the highest numbers, with Broad-winged Hawks passing in large kettles. Spring migration (March to April) is also good but less predictable. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times. Winter residents like Red-tailed Hawks are easier to spot in bare trees.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify a Red-tailed Hawk in Tennessee?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common large hawk. Look for a dark belly band, pale chest, and the namesake rusty-red tail (adults). Juveniles have brown tails with dark bands. It soars with wings slightly raised in a dihedral. Best odds are in open country or along roadsides.
How can you tell a Red-shouldered Hawk from a Red-tailed?
Red-shouldered Hawks are smaller, with a banded black-and-white tail and reddish shoulders. They prefer wooded areas near water and are often heard calling before seen. Their flight is more direct, with quicker wingbeats. In Tennessee, they are common in bottomland forests and swamps.
What about Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks?
These two are the tricky lookalikes. Cooper's Hawk is larger (crow-sized) with a rounded head and a long, rounded tail with a white tip. Sharp-shinned is smaller (jay-sized) with a square tail and a small head. Both are bird hunters and often visit backyard feeders. Watch the tail shape: Cooper's tail appears more graduated.
Which other hawk species might you see in Tennessee?
Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers during fall migration, often in kettles. Northern Harriers hunt low over marshes, showing a white rump patch. Less common are the Swainson's Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, but they are rare visitors. Always check field guides for the subtle differences.
How do hawk species vary by habitat in Tennessee?
Open-country hawks like Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks favor roadsides, grasslands, and forest clearings. Forest hawks like Red-shouldered and Broad-winged prefer deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially near water. Accipiter hawks (Cooper's, Sharp-shinned) hunt in forests and brush, often ambushing from cover. Harriers stay low over marshes and wetlands, hunting rodents from just above the vegetation. Knowing the habitat preference narrows your search zone significantly.
Which hawk species are most abundant in different seasons in Tennessee?
Year-round residents include Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Cooper's Hawks. Spring and fall migrations bring Broad-winged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Swainson's Hawks. Winter may bring Rough-legged Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks from the north, though they are uncommon. Summer residents are few, mainly Red-tailed and Red-shouldered. Peak hawk activity in Tennessee occurs mid-September through mid-October when migration numbers spike.
Can you identify a hawk by its flight pattern?
Yes, flight silhouette and behavior are key. Red-tailed Hawks soar in wide circles with wings held in a slight dihedral (V shape). Broad-winged Hawks also soar but have a more compact profile. Red-shouldered Hawks flap more actively and fly through woodlands. Accipiter hawks (Cooper's and Sharp-shinned) show rapid wingbeats alternating with glides, and they maneuver quickly through trees. Northern Harriers show a distinctive low, bouncy flight over open ground.
What hawk-themed products from Easy Street Markets can enhance your birding experience?
Show your appreciation for these birds of prey with tasteful gear. The Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee is a classic choice for falconry fans. Stick a 5X Hawk Sticker Set on your car or gear to spot other birders. And the Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt adds a touch of mystique. Browse more options at ourbird wall art collection.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A weathered retro design that suits any outing. Soft cotton, true to size.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Five detailed hawk designs for your laptop, water bottle, or truck. Vinyl weatherproof.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A unique graphic that blends birding with esoteric art. Great conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about hawks in Tennessee
**Are hawks protected in Tennessee?** Yes, all hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm them or disturb their nests. **What is the largest hawk in Tennessee?** The Red-tailed Hawk, with a wingspan up to 56 inches. **Do hawks attack pets?** Small pets may be at risk, but attacks are rare. Most hawks prey on rodents and birds. **When is hawk migration in Tennessee?** Peak fall migration is mid-September to mid-October. Spring migration is less concentrated. **How do I attract hawks to my yard?** Provide tall trees for perching and a water source, but note that they are wild predators. Observing from a distance is best.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful ID markers for identifying Tennessee hawks?+
Focus on size, tail shape, and wing proportions. Red-tailed Hawks show a rounded tail and broad wings. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks have square tails and narrower wings. Steer clear of the common mistake: Cooper's is larger and has a rounded head, while Sharp-shinned has a small, flat head. Belly band patterns and underside barring also help. Check ourfull hawk identification guidefor more detail.
Where in Tennessee do people most often spot hawks first?+
Start with open agricultural areas like the Mississippi Delta or the Cumberland Plateau. Forest edges near the Great Smoky Mountains are also reliable. Many first sightings happen along highways perching on power lines or fence posts. The Reelfoot Lake area is a hotspot for migrating hawks. For more Tennessee wildlife tips, visit ourTennessee wildlife hub.
When is the best season or time of day for confident hawk sightings?+
Fall migration (September through October) offers the highest numbers, with Broad-winged Hawks passing in large kettles. Spring migration (March to April) is also good but less predictable. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times. Winter residents like Red-tailed Hawks are easier to spot in bare trees. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify a Red-tailed Hawk in Tennessee?+
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common large hawk. Look for a dark belly band, pale chest, and the namesake rusty-red tail (adults). Juveniles have brown tails with dark bands. It soars with wings slightly raised in a dihedral. Best odds are in open country or along roadsides.
How can you tell a Red-shouldered Hawk from a Red-tailed?+
Red-shouldered Hawks are smaller, with a banded black-and-white tail and reddish shoulders. They prefer wooded areas near water and are often heard calling before seen. Their flight is more direct, with quicker wingbeats. In Tennessee, they are common in bottomland forests and swamps.
What about Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks?+
These two are the tricky lookalikes. Cooper's Hawk is larger (crow-sized) with a rounded head and a long, rounded tail with a white tip. Sharp-shinned is smaller (jay-sized) with a square tail and a small head. Both are bird hunters and often visit backyard feeders. Watch the tail shape: Cooper's tail appears more graduated.
Which other hawk species might you see in Tennessee?+
Broad-winged Hawks pass through in large numbers during fall migration, often in kettles. Northern Harriers hunt low over marshes, showing a white rump patch. Less common are the Swainson's Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, but they are rare visitors. Always check field guides for the subtle differences.
How do hawk species vary by habitat in Tennessee?+
Open-country hawks like Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks favor roadsides, grasslands, and forest clearings. Forest hawks like Red-shouldered and Broad-winged prefer deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially near water. Accipiter hawks (Cooper's, Sharp-shinned) hunt in forests and brush, often ambushing from cover. Harriers stay low over marshes and wetlands, hunting rodents from just above the vegetation. Knowing the habitat preference narrows your search zone significantly.
Which hawk species are most abundant in different seasons in Tennessee?+
Year-round residents include Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Cooper's Hawks. Spring and fall migrations bring Broad-winged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Swainson's Hawks. Winter may bring Rough-legged Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks from the north, though they are uncommon. Summer residents are few, mainly Red-tailed and Red-shouldered. Peak hawk activity in Tennessee occurs mid-September through mid-October when migration numbers spike.
Can you identify a hawk by its flight pattern?+
Yes, flight silhouette and behavior are key. Red-tailed Hawks soar in wide circles with wings held in a slight dihedral (V shape). Broad-winged Hawks also soar but have a more compact profile. Red-shouldered Hawks flap more actively and fly through woodlands. Accipiter hawks (Cooper's and Sharp-shinned) show rapid wingbeats alternating with glides, and they maneuver quickly through trees. Northern Harriers show a distinctive low, bouncy flight over open ground.
What hawk-themed products from Easy Street Markets can enhance your birding experience?+
Show your appreciation for these birds of prey with tasteful gear. The Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee is a classic choice for falconry fans. Stick a 5X Hawk Sticker Set on your car or gear to spot other birders. And the Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt adds a touch of mystique. Browse more options at ourbird wall art collection. ### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee A weathered retro design that suits any outing. Soft cotton, true to size.Check Price and Availability ### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) Five detailed hawk designs for your laptop, water bottle, or truck. Vinyl weatherproof.Check Price and Availability ### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt A unique graphic that blends birding with esoteric art. Great conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Tennessee