Hawks Native to Ohio: Identification Guide for 9 Species

Ohio's mix of forests, fields, and wetlands supports nine regular hawk species. Here's how to identify them.

Accipiters (Bird Hunters, Short Wings, Long Tails)

• Sharp-shinned Hawk: 10–14", slate-gray above, rusty-barred below, square-tipped tail. Common in woods, yards. Smallest.
• Cooper's Hawk: 14–20", similar plumage but larger head, rounded tail. Common urban/suburban nester. Mid-sized.
• Northern Goshawk: 22–26", dark slate above, white below with fine barring, bold white eyebrow. Uncommon, deep woods. Largest accipiter.

Buteos (Soaring Hunters, Broad Wings, Short Tails)

• Red-shouldered Hawk: 16–24", rusty shoulders, black-and-white checkered wings, banded tail. Common near water.
• Broad-winged Hawk: 13–17", dark brown above, pale below with brown streaks, broad white tail band. Common migrant, breeds in forests.
• Red-tailed Hawk: 18–25", belly band, red tail (adults), patagial marks. Very common statewide, open country + woods edges.
• Rough-legged Hawk: 19–25", feathered legs, dark belly, white tail with dark terminal band. Uncommon winter visitor, open fields.

Eagle (Included in Hawk Surveys)

• Golden Eagle: 30–38", dark brown, golden nape, white-based tail. Rare migrant/winter, open hills.

Quick ID Tips

• Accipiters = flap-flap-glide, maneuver in trees.
• Buteos = soar on thermals, perch conspicuously.
• Tail shape: square (Sharpie), rounded (Cooper's), banded (Broad-winged), red (Red-tail).

Best hawk-watching: Lake Erie shoreline (spring/fall migration), Hocking Hills, Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area.