Hawks are quite impressive predators. Everything from their keen hearing and eye sight to their sharp beak and talons comes together to make them expert birds of prey. Throughout history humans, using training and falconry, have benefitted from hawks hunting prowess. There are approximately 16 species of hawks living across the United States. But in this article, we’re going to discuss the 8 species of hawks in Rhode Island.
Hawks in Rhode Island
The 8 species of hawks that can be found in Rhode Island are the broad-winged hawk, Coopers hawk, northern goshawk, northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, rough-legged hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk.
Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Broad-winged hawk
Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
Length: 13.4-17.3 in
Weight: 9.3-19.8 oz
Wingspan: 31.9-39.4 in
Broad-winged hawks are migratory, and only travel north into Rhode Island during the spring-summer breeding season. These smaller hawks have a brown head and chest, barred underparts and black and white bands on their tail. In flight you can note their short tail and broad wings with pointed tips.
These hawks like to be in a secluded area during breeding season. They will nest in forests and along bodies of water far from humans. They small mammals, insects, and amphibians such as frogs and toads.
If you are hoping to see the broad-winged hawk, your best bet is during fall migration on their way back South America. Flocks called “kettles”, that can contain thousands of birds, circle in the sky. If you are not in their migration line, you can catch sight of them in forests. Just listen for their piercing whistles.
2. Coopers Hawk
