Hawks are widely distributed birds of prey found throughout the United States and North America. They’re medium-sized to large raptors that can generally be put into two categories — accipiters and buteos. This article is going to take a look at the hawks found specifically in the state of Kentucky. We’ll give you some pictures to help you ID them and discuss some interesting facts about each one of them.
The hawks of Kentucky include the red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk, American goshawk, rough-legged hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and the northern harrier.
For information about them all, such as the best times to look for each kind, keep reading below!
Please note that we refer to both accipiters and buteos as ‘hawks’ in alignment with North American terminology. This usage reflects regional naming conventions and is not intended to overlook the taxonomic distinctions among these groups of birds of prey. In Europe, buteos are referred to as buzzards.
1. Red-Tailed Hawk
Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
Length: 17.7-25.6 in
Weight: 24.3-51.5 oz
Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in
Red-tailed Hawks are some of the most common hawks in North America. They’re year-round hawks in Kentucky as well as the majority of the country. Chances are you’ve seen one before — they often perch on tall vantage points like roadside telephone poles.
They feature white, creamy undersides with light, reddish brown markings. Even though they’re large hawks, they don’t weigh much. The average weight is around 2 and a half pounds for an adult.
When in flight