10 Types of Hawks in Vermont

What types of hawks are most common in Vermont?

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread year-round resident. You'll also regularly see Red-shouldered Hawks in wet forests, Broad-winged Hawks during migration, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks around bird feeders, and Northern Harriers over marshes. The Red-tailed has a brown back and a pale belly with a dark belly band, while its tail is mostly reddish above. Red-shouldered Hawks show a distinctive banded tail and rusty shoulder patch. Broad-winged Hawks are compact and stocky, with dark upper parts and pale undersides showing a distinctive dark chest band. Cooper's Hawks are mid-sized with rounded tails and gray backs, while Sharp-shinned Hawks are smaller and more delicate. For more details on each species, check ourhawk identification hub.

How can I tell apart similar looking hawks in Vermont?

Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are the toughest pair to distinguish. Cooper's is larger with a wingspan around 30 inches, a rounded tail tip, and a more prominent dark cap. Sharp-shinned is smaller with a 20-inch wingspan and a square-cut tail. Look for the head projection: Cooper's sticks out farther, giving it a different silhouette. Red-shouldered versus Red-tailed requires attention to tail patterns and body markings. Red-shouldered has a banded black-and-white tail and red shoulder patches, while Red-tailed has a solid reddish tail and a dark belly band. Northern Harriers are slimmer and more simplifyd, with longer wings held in a slight dihedral, and show a white patch at the base of the tail. For more ID tips, ourhawk identification guidecovers field marks in detail.

Where in Vermont should you start looking for hawks?

Start with open fields and forest edges in the Champlain Valley, where Red-tails perch on fence posts and scan for rodents. In the southern Green Mountains, look for Broad-winged Hawks during migration in April and September. Forested wetlands in the Northeast Kingdom are good for Red-shouldered Hawks, while coastal marshes along Lake Champlain hold Northern Harriers. Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area is a reliable spot, especially during migration. The ridges of Mount Philo and the Green Mountains attract hawk concentrations during fall migration. For more Vermont birding locations, visit ourVermont wildlife page.

What is the best season for hawk watching in Vermont?

Spring migration from mid-March to May brings Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks moving north, with peak numbers in late April. Fall migration from September to November is excellent, especially at mountain ridgetop hawk watches where thermals concentrate birds. Red-tailed Hawks are present year-round, but numbers increase in winter as northern birds move south. Winter is when Rough-legged Hawks arrive from the Arctic, often seen hovering over open fields. Each season offers different species and viewing opportunities. For comparison with other raptors, see ourowls of Vermont guide.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

What are the best times of day for hawk sightings?

Hawks are most active in the first few hours after sunrise when thermals begin to form and birds hunt to meet daily energy needs. Late afternoon, just before sunset, also sees increased activity as birds hunt before roosting. Midday is slower, especially in summer heat when prey birds shelter in shade. Overcast days can extend activity periods since hawks rely less on thermals. During migration, mornings are best for watching large kettles of Broad-winged Hawks. For more tips, check out ourbald eagle spotting guidefor similar timing.

Are there any rare hawk species that pass through Vermont?

The Northern Goshawk is a rare year-round resident, mostly in deep conifer forests of the higher elevations. Swainson's Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk are very rare migrants, usually seen during fall at ridgetop watches and often mistaken for lighter Red-tailed Hawks. Rough-legged Hawks visit in winter from the Arctic, often seen hovering over open fields with dark wrist patches. The Merlin, a small falcon, is occasionally seen during migration. These casual visitors keep hawk watchers on their toes and reward patient observation. For a full list, browse ourVermont hawk profiles.

What seasonal occurrence patterns do Vermont hawk species follow?

Vermont's hawk populations shift dramatically with the seasons. Winter brings Red-tailed, Rough-legged, and Northern Harrier residents. Spring migration (March-May) adds Red-shouldered, Broad-winged, and occasional Swainson's Hawks heading north. Summer breeding season involves mostly Red-tails, Red-shouldereds, and Broad-wings in improved areas. Fall migration (August-November) reverses the flow with the largest hawk concentrations, peaking in late September when Broad-winged kettles form over mountain ridges. Timing your visit to these seasonal pulses dramatically improves your chances of seeing multiple species.

How do Vermont hawk species hunt in different habitats?

Red-tailed Hawks prefer open fields and forest edges, perching on fence posts or dead trees to scan for rodents. Red-shouldered Hawks hunt in wet forests and swamps, often flying low through trees to catch small mammals and amphibians. Broad-winged Hawks soar on thermals over forested ridges, diving suddenly into canopy gaps to snatch prey. Cooper's Hawks hunt around bird feeders and suburban yards, using their agility to pursue songbirds through trees. Sharp-shinned Hawks take small birds in open areas with quick, dashing flights. Northern Harriers use a distinctive low-level hunting pattern, flying just above marshland and grassland, pivoting suddenly to pounce on small mammals. Understanding these habitat preferences helps you predict where to find each species.

What is the conservation status of Vermont hawk species?

All hawk species in Vermont are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state wildlife laws. Red-tailed Hawks are stable and abundant. Red-shouldered Hawks have increased in the Northeast over recent decades as forests recover. Broad-winged Hawks remain stable with consistent migration numbers. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks recovered strongly after pesticide bans lifted in the 1970s-1980s. Northern Harrier populations are lower but stable, with some breeding pairs in Vermont's marshes. No Vermont hawk species is currently threatened or endangered, though habitat loss and human disturbance at roost sites remain concerns for all species.

How can you bring your hawk sightings home?

Once you've identified a hawk in the field, you might want to keep a reminder on your wall or your gear. We've picked a few hawk-themed items that fit the bird fan's style.

Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee []() A bold retro design featuring the fastest bird in the world. This soft cotton tee is perfect for wearing on a hawk watch. Check Price and Availability

5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) Bird of Prey Car Stickers, Forest, Nature, Falconer, Bird []() A set of five high-quality vinyl stickers showing different raptors. Great for decorating water bottles, laptops, or field notebooks. Check Price and Availability

Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt []() A mystical design that blends tarot imagery with a soaring hawk. Comfortable and conversation-starting. Check Price and Availability

For more hawk-inspired wall art, explore ourbird art prints collection.

Frequently asked questions about Vermont hawk types?

**What is the largest hawk in Vermont?** The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest breeding hawk, with a wingspan up to 52 inches. The occasional Rough-legged Hawk in winter is similar in size, reaching 56 inches.

**How many hawk species breed in Vermont?** Four hawk species breed in Vermont: Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Broad-winged, and Northern Harrier. Most nesting occurs in April through July, with young fledging by late summer.

**Which hawk species is most likely at my backyard bird feeder?** Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are attracted to bird feeders because smaller birds congregate there. Red-tailed Hawks occasionally visit open yards but prefer hunting in fields far from dense cover.

**Are hawks protected in Vermont?** Yes, all hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Do not disturb nests or attempt to capture them. Violators face federal penalties.

**How do I tell a hawk from a falcon in Vermont?** Falcons have slender, pointed wings and a fast, direct flight, with a distinctive notched face. Hawks have broader, rounded wings and often soar. Peregrine Falcons and American Kestrels are the most likely falcons in Vermont.