In California, hawks captivate with their aerial prowess. Part of the Accipitridae family, these birds of prey are not just ‘hawks’ by name—buzzards and even falcons join the ranks. Renowned for their smarts, hawks have been allies in falconry, helping humans hunt and protect landmarks from pesky pigeons. California’s vast landscapes host eleven hawk species, alongside other majestic wildlife like the Leatherback Sea Turtle and the California Condor. This guide dives into the lives of California’s hawks, revealing where to find these impressive creatures.
Here we’ll learn about 8 different types of Hawks in California
1. Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
- Length: 23 cm-37 cm
- Weight: 82 to 219 g
- Wingspan: 58 to 68 cm
- Lifespan: 5-12 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Sharp-shinned Hawk, or “Sharpie,” is a tiny hawk that lives all over the Americas. Interestingly, the boys are about 30% smaller than the girls, making them the tiniest hawks in the US and Canada. They love to eat small animals, especially little birds. Once, a Sharpie even caught a big bird called a Ruffed Grouse that weighed 1.2 pounds! Besides birds, these quick little hawks also snack on mice and even dragonflies.
2. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Length: 35 to 50 cm
- Weight: 7.8-14.5 oz
- Wingspan: 62 to 99 cm
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Cooper’s Hawk is a big bird of prey in North America. They’re known for catching bigger animals, which is why some people call them chicken or hen hawks. In California, you’ll find them a lot, hanging out in forests with lots of trees that lose their leaves in the fall. They don’t mind if their home areas get broken up and are often seen near roads or on poles. Even though they usually move with the seasons, some stay in California all year.
3. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Falco columbarius
- Length: 46 to 61 cm
- Weight: 357 – 2,200 g
- Wingspan: 89 to 105 cm
- Lifespan: 7-12 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Northern Goshawk is a fascinating bird, and spotting one is like finding a hidden treasure for birdwatchers. These hawks are highly territorial and usually prefer to fly solo, except when they’re part of a breeding pair.
When it comes to flying, they’re agile and skilled, especially during short-distance chases. Their long tail helps them stay steady in the air. Hunting is their game, and they’re quick at it—most chases for a meal last less than 15 minutes.
But here’s an interesting twist: breeding pairs of Northern Goshawks sometimes team up for a coordinated hunt. It’s like having a partner in crime!
As for their menu, these hawks have diverse tastes. They snack on smaller birds and mammals like voles and rats. But they’ve also been caught feasting on impressive prey like pheasants, hares, and even spiny porcupines.
4. Red-shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Length: 38 to 58 cm
- Weight: 550-700 g
- Wingspan: 90 to 127 cm
- Lifespan: 7-12 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Red-Shouldered Hawk is a common and helpful bird in California. Farmers and homeowners like them because they eat lots of small rodents, which helps with pest control. But sometimes, the bigger and bossier Red-tailed Hawk can push them out of their homes. You can tell a Red-Shouldered Hawk by the rusty color on its shoulder that goes all the way down its chest and belly. They’re often mixed up with the Red-tailed Hawk, but Red-Shouldered Hawks are thinner and quicker, and they don’t have the pale bottom that Red-tailed Hawks do.
5. Broad-winged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
- Length: 32 to 44 cm
- Weight: 265 to 560 g
- Wingspan: 74 to 100 cm
- Lifespan: 7-12 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Broad-winged Hawk is a fascinating bird! Their wings are special—they’re broad and tapered, which makes them easy to recognize. When you see them flying, look for their pale undersides with brown bars and their dark brown upperparts. These hawks are true travelers—they cover a wide range across both American continents. And during migration, they create massive flocks that can include thousands of birds. Imagine seeing that—a sky full of Broad-winged Hawks, swirling like a kettle!
6. Swainson’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo swainsoni
- Length: 43–56 cm
- Weight: 0.5–1.7 kg
- Wingspan: 117–137 cm
- Lifespan: 8-14 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Swainson’s Hawk, a stunning bird, is a farmer’s ally, gobbling up pests like grasshoppers. They’re not always in California, but they show up for breeding season. Loving the open spaces of prairies and deserts, they hunt insects and small critters, including ground squirrels. These hawks are also known to snag bigger birds like ducks and grouse, showing off their hunting skills.
7. Red-tailed Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Length: 45 to 60 cm
- Weight: 690 to 1,300 g
- Wingspan: 105 to 141 cm
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Red-tailed Hawk is like the typical hawk you see in pictures. It’s the most common type of hawk in North America.
You might recognize its screech in movies, especially when they need a sound for eagles. The Red-tailed Hawk’s screech is often used instead because it sounds more believable than the Bald Eagle’s screech, which is very high-pitched.
People sometimes call the Red-tailed Hawk a “chickenhawk,” but it’s not because they eat chickens. They mostly eat small rodents, but they also help control invasive species. For example, they like to snack on European Starlings, which can be a problem for native birds.
Some people welcome Red-tailed Hawks around their buildings because they help keep the noisy starlings away.
8. Rough-legged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
- Length: 46–68 cm
- Weight: 600 to 1,660 g
- Wingspan: 120 to 153 cm
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Rough-legged Hawk, also known as the Rough-legged Buzzard in Europe, is a unique bird of prey. It’s one of the few hawks that can hover mid-flight, a skill usually seen in falcons. You can recognize them by their long white tail feathers with dark bands. They spend most of the year in the chilly tundra but head to warmer spots for winter. That’s the best time to spot these impressive hawks in California’s wild.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most common hawk in California?
The most common hawk in California is the Red-tailed Hawk.
Q2. What does the hawk mean in California?
Hawks in California symbolize freedom, power, and keen observation skills.
Q3. Can you have a hawk in California?
Yes, you can have a hawk in California, but you need a permit and must adhere to strict regulations.
Q4. What do California hawks eat?
California hawks primarily eat small mammals like rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
