Hawks in Washington: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, Washington is home to several hawk species, including Red-tailed, Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned. Start your search in open woodlands and along field edges in the lowlands, or head to higher elevations for Ferruginous Hawks in summer. The best time is spring and fall migration.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 27, 2026.
Where to see them, source eBird
Where hawks are being seen in Washington
These are public birding hotspots in Washington where hawks were reported in the last month, most recent first. Recent sightings below include Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Harrier. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Penny Creek Natural AreaCooper's Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Toppenish NWRRed-tailed Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Kennedy Creek Salmon TrailRed-tailed Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Deer LagoonNorthern Harrierseen Jul 18, 2026
- Hamilton Landing ParkCooper's Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Washington Native Plant Society Display GardenRed-tailed Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Soos Creek TrailRed-tailed Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
- Steigerwald Lake NWRRed-tailed Hawkseen Jul 18, 2026
Sightings from eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wildlife moves, so treat these as recent activity, not a guarantee.
Yes, Washington is home to several hawk species, including Red-tailed, Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned. Start your search in open woodlands and along field edges in the lowlands, or head to higher elevations for Ferruginous Hawks in summer. The best time is spring and fall migration.
1. What are the most common hawk species in Washington?
The Red-tailed Hawk is by far the most widespread, seen year-round in almost every county. Other species include the Cooper's Hawk (common in suburbs), Sharp-shinned Hawk (small, fast, often at feeders), and the Ferruginous Hawk (open plains east of the Cascades). Rare visitors like the Swainson's Hawk pass through in spring and fall.
2. How do you identify a Red-tailed Hawk from other hawks?
Look for a dark belly band on a whitish chest, a reddish tail visible from above, and broad, rounded wings. Juveniles have a brown tail with dark bands. The most common lookalike is the Red-shouldered Hawk, but that species has a barred black-and-white tail and is rare in Washington (mostly western lowlands).
3. Where in Washington should you look for hawks first?
Start in the Puget Sound lowlands: agricultural fields near Skagit Valley, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and the open grasslands of Eastern Washington near Yakima. Ridge tops in the Cascade foothills (e.g., I-90 corridor) are excellent for soaring hawks in late morning. For Ferruginous Hawks, head to the shrub-steppe of the Columbia Basin.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season to see hawks in Washington?
Spring migration (mid-March to May) and fall migration (September to early November) offer the highest diversity. However, Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks are present year-round. Summer is good for Ferruginous and Swainson's Hawks in the east. Winter brings Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks from the north.
5. How do you tell Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks apart?
Size is the first clue: Cooper's is crow-sized, Sharp-shinned is jay-sized. Tail shape: Cooper's has a rounded tail with a white tip, Sharp-shinned has a square or slightly notched tail. Flight pattern: Cooper's flaps then glides with wrists pulled forward; Sharp-shinned has quick, stiff wingbeats. Head shape: Cooper's appears large and blocky, Sharp-shinned small and round.
6. What field marks separate the Ferruginous Hawk from other large buteos?
Ferruginous Hawks are the largest buteos in North America. Look for a very pale head and underparts with rusty leggings (feathered legs), a white tail with a faint rusty wash, and a V-shaped white rump patch. In flight, the dark comma at the wrist is diagnostic. They prefer open prairie and are most often seen perched on fence posts or low shrubs.
7. Where can I find decent hawk ID resources before heading out?
TheWashington Department of Fish and Wildlifehas pocket guides, andCornell Lab of Ornithologyoffers free ID tools. For a quick reference, ourart printssection has detailed hawk illustrations that help with in-the-field separation. Always carry binoculars and a field guide.
8. What gear helps with hawk identification in the field?
A good pair of 8x42 binoculars is essential. For photography, a 300mm or longer lens lets you capture field marks. If you're just starting, consider a lightweight spotting scope for distant perches. Ourwildlife shopping sectionincludes practical carry options.
9. Can I buy hawk-themed items to celebrate my sightings?
Absolutely. After a successful day of spotting, you might enjoy a **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee** to show off your birding side. It pairs well with the **5X Hawk Sticker Set** (5 pieces) for your gear or car. If you prefer a more mystical touch, the **Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt** is a conversation starter. Browse our full collection atEasy Street Markets.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A comfortable cotton tee with a vintage falcon illustration. Great for casual birding days.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Durable vinyl stickers featuring different hawk species. Perfect for decorating your water bottle or field notebook.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A unique design for birders with a flair for the mystical. Soft fabric and bold print.Check Price and Availability
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
10. How do plumage and age affect hawk identification in Washington?
Juvenile hawks often look drastically different from adults, which can throw off newcomers. Young Red-tailed Hawks have brown tails instead of red, and lack the distinctive belly band. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawk juveniles show yellow eyes (orange or red in adults) and buff streaking on the breast. Some dark morphs exist too, especially in Ferruginous and Red-tailed Hawks. If you spot a hawk that doesn't quite match field guide photos, check the age first.
11. What birds get mistaken for hawks in Washington, and how do you tell the difference?
Large crows and ravens are often confused with small hawks from a distance, but they flap constantly and lack the sharp talons visible at close range. Vultures have longer necks, two-toned wings (darker flight feathers), and soar in a V with wobbly flight compared to hawks' steady glide. Falcons (like Merlins) move faster and have pointed wings, while hawks have rounded wings. Looking at wing shape and flight style quickly narrows things down.
12. What is a quick ID checklist for hawks in the field?
Stop and observe: size (is it crow-sized or smaller), tail color (red, banded, or pale), underside pattern (dark belly band, barred, or streaked), wing shape (rounded or pointed), and flight behavior (fast flaps or soaring). Note the habitat (forest, open prairie, suburban). These five data points often clinch identification without needing every detail. Jot them down and compare to your field guide or ourstate animal guidewhen you get home.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common hawk species in Washington?+
The Red-tailed Hawk is by far the most widespread, seen year-round in almost every county. Other species include the Cooper's Hawk (common in suburbs), Sharp-shinned Hawk (small, fast, often at feeders), and the Ferruginous Hawk (open plains east of the Cascades). Rare visitors like the Swainson's Hawk pass through in spring and fall.
2. How do you identify a Red-tailed Hawk from other hawks?+
Look for a dark belly band on a whitish chest, a reddish tail visible from above, and broad, rounded wings. Juveniles have a brown tail with dark bands. The most common lookalike is the Red-shouldered Hawk, but that species has a barred black-and-white tail and is rare in Washington (mostly western lowlands).
3. Where in Washington should you look for hawks first?+
Start in the Puget Sound lowlands: agricultural fields near Skagit Valley, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and the open grasslands of Eastern Washington near Yakima. Ridge tops in the Cascade foothills (e.g., I-90 corridor) are excellent for soaring hawks in late morning. For Ferruginous Hawks, head to the shrub-steppe of the Columbia Basin. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season to see hawks in Washington?+
Spring migration (mid-March to May) and fall migration (September to early November) offer the highest diversity. However, Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks are present year-round. Summer is good for Ferruginous and Swainson's Hawks in the east. Winter brings Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks from the north.
5. How do you tell Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks apart?+
Size is the first clue: Cooper's is crow-sized, Sharp-shinned is jay-sized. Tail shape: Cooper's has a rounded tail with a white tip, Sharp-shinned has a square or slightly notched tail. Flight pattern: Cooper's flaps then glides with wrists pulled forward; Sharp-shinned has quick, stiff wingbeats. Head shape: Cooper's appears large and blocky, Sharp-shinned small and round.
6. What field marks separate the Ferruginous Hawk from other large buteos?+
Ferruginous Hawks are the largest buteos in North America. Look for a very pale head and underparts with rusty leggings (feathered legs), a white tail with a faint rusty wash, and a V-shaped white rump patch. In flight, the dark comma at the wrist is diagnostic. They prefer open prairie and are most often seen perched on fence posts or low shrubs.
7. Where can I find decent hawk ID resources before heading out?+
TheWashington Department of Fish and Wildlifehas pocket guides, andCornell Lab of Ornithologyoffers free ID tools. For a quick reference, ourart printssection has detailed hawk illustrations that help with in-the-field separation. Always carry binoculars and a field guide.
8. What gear helps with hawk identification in the field?+
A good pair of 8x42 binoculars is essential. For photography, a 300mm or longer lens lets you capture field marks. If you're just starting, consider a lightweight spotting scope for distant perches. Ourwildlife shopping sectionincludes practical carry options.
9. Can I buy hawk-themed items to celebrate my sightings?+
Absolutely. After a successful day of spotting, you might enjoy a **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee** to show off your birding side. It pairs well with the **5X Hawk Sticker Set** (5 pieces) for your gear or car. If you prefer a more mystical touch, the **Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt** is a conversation starter. Browse our full collection atEasy Street Markets. ### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee A comfortable cotton tee with a vintage falcon illustration. Great for casual birding days.Check Price and Availability ### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) Durable vinyl stickers featuring different hawk species. Perfect for decorating your water bottle or field notebook.Check Price and Availability ### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt A unique design for birders with a flair for the mystical. Soft fabric and bold print.Check Price and Availability See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
10. How do plumage and age affect hawk identification in Washington?+
Juvenile hawks often look drastically different from adults, which can throw off newcomers. Young Red-tailed Hawks have brown tails instead of red, and lack the distinctive belly band. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawk juveniles show yellow eyes (orange or red in adults) and buff streaking on the breast. Some dark morphs exist too, especially in Ferruginous and Red-tailed Hawks. If you spot a hawk that doesn't quite match field guide photos, check the age first.
11. What birds get mistaken for hawks in Washington, and how do you tell the difference?+
Large crows and ravens are often confused with small hawks from a distance, but they flap constantly and lack the sharp talons visible at close range. Vultures have longer necks, two-toned wings (darker flight feathers), and soar in a V with wobbly flight compared to hawks' steady glide. Falcons (like Merlins) move faster and have pointed wings, while hawks have rounded wings. Looking at wing shape and flight style quickly narrows things down.
12. What is a quick ID checklist for hawks in the field?+
Stop and observe: size (is it crow-sized or smaller), tail color (red, banded, or pale), underside pattern (dark belly band, barred, or streaked), wing shape (rounded or pointed), and flight behavior (fast flaps or soaring). Note the habitat (forest, open prairie, suburban). These five data points often clinch identification without needing every detail. Jot them down and compare to your field guide or ourstate animal guidewhen you get home.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Washington