Hawks in Washington: Species Guide & Gifts
A complete guide to the hawks of Washington State, including resident and migratory species, identification tips, and hawk-themed gifts for bird lovers.
The Short Answer: Washington State is home to ten species of hawks, including the widespread Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk, the elusive Northern Goshawk, and the migratory Swainson's Hawk. These birds of prey are most commonly spotted in open woodlands, along highways, and in farmlands across the state. Many are year-round residents, while others visit only during breeding or winter seasons.
What are the most common hawk species in Washington?
The most commonly sighted hawk in Washington is the Red-tailed Hawk. You see them perched on fence posts along I-5 and circling over fields east of the Cascades. Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks are frequent visitors to suburban backyards, hunting songbirds at feeders. The Red-shouldered Hawk is much rarer here, found mainly in the southwest corner of the state. The Ferruginous Hawk is a grassland specialist you will only find east of the Cascades in open country.
What is the largest hawk in Washington?
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in Washington, with a wingspan reaching up to 56 inches. I remember my first sighting near the Hanford Reach. This bird looks like a small eagle with its broad wings and pale underside. The Red-tailed Hawk comes in second, with a wingspan around 49 inches. The smallest hawk you will see here is the Sharp-shinned Hawk, which barely reaches 13 inches long about the size of a Blue Jay.
How do you identify a Cooper's Hawk in Washington?
Cooper's Hawks have a distinct dark cap on their head that contrasts with a pale nape, giving them the look of wearing a flat hat. Their tail has broad dark bands with a white tip, and the eyes of adults turn deep red. In flight, look for the rounded tail shape and steady wingbeats. Unlike the Sharp-shinned Hawk, the Cooper's Hawk has a larger head that sticks out well past its wrists when gliding.
Are there any rare or endangered hawks in Washington?
The Northern Goshawk is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Washington. These forest hawks live in old-growth stands and are notoriously hard to spot. The Swainson's Hawk is another species to watch for they breed in eastern Washington but are only present from April to September before migrating to Argentina. The Ferruginous Hawk is also tracked as a sensitive species by the state, with most nests found in the Columbia Basin.
Hawk-Themed Gifts for Washington Birders
If you know someone who spends their weekends scanning treelines or you are that person yourself the right hawk gift can be hard to find in standard stores. I have been collecting bird apparel and stickers for years, and the options below cover everything from subtle designs to bold graphic art.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee | $19.95 | T-Shirt |
| Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt | $22.73 | T-Shirt |
| Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt | $19.26 | T-Shirt |
| Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt | $21.22 | T-Shirt |
| Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt | $22.65 | T-Shirt |
| 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) | $13.19 | Sticker Pack |
| Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt | $24.99 | T-Shirt |
| Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt | $19.49 | T-Shirt |
| Red-tailed Hawk Sticker | $2.75 | Single Sticker |
| Falconer Graphic T-Shirt | $14.63 | T-Shirt |
| Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Birds) | $4.25 | Sticker Sheet |
| Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet | $3.50 | Sticker Sheet |
| Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt | $14.99 | T-Shirt |
| All Types of Animals Hawks North America T-Shirt | $19.99 | T-Shirt |
| Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry Birding T-Shirt | $17.99 | T-Shirt |
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
This shirt has that late 70s field guide feel that birders my age grew up flipping through. The retro illustration covers the whole front, so it works for casual wear or a birding festival. The fabric is soft and holds up after many washes. I would wear this one on drives out to the Columbia Basin looking for Ferruginous Hawks.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
The tarot card design gives this shirt a dark, mystical look that stands out from typical bird t-shirts. It features a detailed hawk illustration inside a tarot card frame. My sister who is into both birding and tarot wore hers on a hike near Mount Rainier and got three compliments from strangers.
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A simple, clean hawk silhouette in a retro badge-style layout. This is the kind of shirt you can wear to a backyard barbecue without looking like you are going birding, but other birders will still nod at you. The print is centered and not too large.
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
This shirt shows the falcon in a stoop diving posture, which is the most dramatic pose you can get. The artwork is sharp and realistic. I bought this one because the peregrine is my mom's favorite bird she still talks about the nest cam on the Washington bridge. This shirt is for serious raptor fans.
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
The screenprint style gives this shirt a handmade, almost DIY look. The hawk is front-facing with its wings slightly raised, which makes for a strong graphic. The print quality holds well in the wash. This is a good choice if you want an artsy design that still clearly shows a hawk.
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
This set includes five different hawk designs, perfect for covering a water bottle, laptop, or binocular case. Each sticker is printed with decent detail. I stuck a couple on my field bag and they have survived rain and mud without peeling. At this price, you get good variety for gifting.
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
The "Hawkward" pun is a crowd pleaser for any birder who has stood in the rain waiting for a Cooper's Hawk to show up. The shirt design is simple text with a small hawk graphic. This is my go-to gift for new birders who need a conversation starter on the trail.
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This boho-style shirt uses softer colors and flowing lines. The description says it gives a relaxed bohemian vibe, and I agree. It works well for outdoor festivals or casual days when you want to represent your birding side without shouting it. The fabric is lightweight and comfortable.
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker
A water-resistant sticker featuring a detailed Red-tailed Hawk illustration. This is the most common hawk in Washington, so it is a fitting choice for a local birder. The sticker is small enough to fit on a phone case but readable from a few feet away. I put one on my truck bumper.
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt features a falconer holding a bird on a gauntlet. It is niche but well executed. If you have ever attended a falconry demonstration at the Washington Raptor Center, you will appreciate the detail. The price is low for a graphic tee of this quality.
Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Different Birds)
Six round waterproof stickers featuring different raptor species. The set includes hawks, falcons, and owls, making it a diverse pack for any bird lover. The stickers are detailed and realistic. I gave this set to a friend who just started birding at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet - Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Kestrel
This sheet includes an eagle, falcon, hawk, osprey, and kestrel all on one page. The variety is excellent, and each bird is labeled for easy identification. This is a great teaching tool for kids or a fun addition to a birding journal. The osprey is especially common near Puget Sound.
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover Orange County T-Shirt
Even though it says California, Red-tailed Hawks are just as common in Washington. The shirt design is loud and proud. It is a good gift for someone with a specific connection to Orange County or anyone who wants to show off their hawk love with a bold statement. The price is very reasonable.
All Types of Animals Hawks North America Red-Tailed Roadside Gray Hawk T-Shirt
This OEKO-TEX certified shirt features multiple hawk species in a field guide-style layout. It shows Red-tailed, Roadside, and Gray Hawks together. The educational angle is great for anyone learning hawks at a glance. The fit is true to size and the material feels solid.
Watercolor Falconry & Birdwatching Design Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk T-Shirt
A watercolor style creates a softer, artistic look for the Red-tailed Hawk. This shirt appeals to birders who prefer subtle nature art over bold graphics. The washes of brown and rust capture the hawk's actual feather colors well. My wife wears hers to work and gets compliments from non-birders.
Where are the best places to see hawks in Washington?
The best hawk watching in Washington happens in the open country east of the Cascades. The Columbia Basin around the Hanford Reach is excellent for Ferruginous and Swainson's Hawks. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near Vancouver has good winter hawk numbers. If you want to see a Northern Goshawk, try the higher elevation forests near Mount Baker. Many of these areas are also great for spotting other raptors like bald eagles, so check out our guides on other raptor species in Washington. For more regional info, you can read our guide on Washington owls as well.
What do hawks in Washington eat?
Red-tailed Hawks eat mostly small mammals like voles and pocket gophers, which are abundant in Washington's farmlands. Cooper's Hawks target birds from robins to pigeons, often hunting at backyard feeders. The Ferruginous Hawk in eastern Washington eats ground squirrels and jackrabbits. I watched a Red-tailed Hawk snatch a vole from a field near Ellensburg last October, and the strike was over in three seconds.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Cooper's Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk?
Cooper's Hawks are larger with a rounded tail tip, while Sharp-shinned Hawks have a square tail tip. Cooper's have a more prominent head that extends well past the wrists in flight, and adult Cooper's have red eyes compared to the orange-red eyes of Sharp-shinned.
Are hawks protected in Washington?
Yes, all hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You cannot harm, harass, or possess them without a permit. Nest removal also requires authorization from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
When is the best time to see migratory hawks in Washington?
Spring migration peaks from late March through early May. Fall migration starts in September and runs through October. The best flights happen after a cold front with northwest winds. Hawk watching hotspots like the Klickitat River canyon see good numbers in early October.
Do hawks stay in Washington year-round?
Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Harriers stay year-round. Swainson's Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks are summer breeders that leave for winter. Rough-legged Hawks are winter visitors that breed in the Arctic. So you can always see at least two species no matter the season.
Can I feed hawks in my backyard?
Feeding hawks directly is not recommended and may be illegal in some areas. But you can attract them naturally by having a healthy rodent population (which means maintaining a brush pile or leaving a meadow patch) or by having bird feeders that attract songbirds, which in turn attract Cooper's Hawks.