Hawks of North America: Complete Identification Guide

Hawks are the most commonly seen raptors in North America, soaring over highways, perching on telephone poles, and patrolling backyards in search of prey. This guide helps you tell the common species apart.

Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread Buteo in North America, recognizable by its brick-red tail and broad wings.

Cooper’s Hawk vs Sharp-shinned Hawk

These two accipiters are notoriously confusing. The Cooper’s Hawk is larger with a rounded tail, while the Sharp-shinned Hawk is smaller with a square-tipped tail.

Harris’s Hawk

Unusual among raptors, the Harris’s Hawk hunts cooperatively in family groups – earning the nickname “wolf of the sky.”

Identification Tips

• Note the silhouette: Buteos have broad wings; accipiters have short wings and long tails.
• Watch the flight style: soaring vs quick alternating flaps and glides.
• Check the tail pattern and underside markings.

For a broader framework, read our Identification guides and the Hawks hub.