In the skies above New York, a spectacular array of hawks graces the urban landscape, representing a diverse tapestry of wildlife thriving amidst the city’s hustle.
Unveiling the wings that navigate the towering skyscrapers, this exploration unveils the nine distinctive species of hawks calling New York home.
From the iconic Red-Tailed Hawk, with its unmistakable silhouette, to the agile Cooper’s Hawk weaving through city parks, each species contributes to the ecological richness of this metropolis.
Amidst the concrete jungle, discover the tales of Northern Goshawks, Ospreys, Sharp-Shinned Hawks, and more as they soar above iconic landmarks and create a fascinating intersection of nature and urban life.
Join us on a journey through the skies, where these majestic raptors define the avian charm of the city that never sleeps. Stay sharp.
9 Hawks Of New York
In the skies above New York, a diverse array of hawks graces the urban landscape. Each species brings unique characteristics to the city’s ecosystem, from the majestic Red-Tailed Hawk to the elusive Northern Goshawk.
The ecological impact of New York’s nine hawk species profoundly influences the city’s biodiversity and pest control.
Red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and others contribute to a balanced ecosystem by regulating rodent populations and maintaining a harmonious coexistence with urban environments, showcasing these raptors’ vital role in the city’s ecological dynamics.
Join us as we explore the lifestyles of Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Osprey, and more, soaring amid the bustling metropolis.
1. Red-Tailed Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 18-26 inches in length
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Food: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Wingspan: 43-56 inches
- Status: Common
The Red-Tailed Hawk, with its distinctive brick-red tail, is a common sight soaring over the skies of New York. With a life span of up to 20 years, these birds of prey exhibit a majestic presence.
Their large size, ranging from 18 to 26 inches, and a wingspan of 43 to 56 inches make them formidable hunters.
Red-tailed hawks primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, displaying their adaptability in the urban environment of New York. Their status as a common species showcases their successful coexistence with the city’s diverse habitats.
2. Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 16-24 inches in length
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Food: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles
- Wingspan: 37-43 inches
- Status: Fairly common
The Red-Shouldered Hawk, distinguished by its striking reddish-brown shoulders, is another New York resident.
With a life span of up to 15 years, these hawks have a size range of 16 to 24 inches and a wingspan of 37 to 43 inches. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, showcasing their diverse hunting skills.
Red-shouldered hawks maintain a fairly common status while not as common as the Red-Tailed Hawk, attesting to their adaptability in the New York landscape.
3. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 20-26 inches in length
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Food: Birds, mammals, occasionally reptiles
- Wingspan: 40-46 inches
- Status: Uncommon
The Northern Goshawk, a less common but equally fascinating species, inhabits New York with its robust build and powerful wings.
With a life span of up to 20 years, these hawks range from 20 to 26 inches in size and possess a wingspan of 40 to 46 inches. Their diet primarily consists of birds and mammals, occasionally including reptiles.
The uncommon status of the Northern Goshawk reflects their preference for more secluded habitats, emphasizing their elusive nature within the bustling metropolis of New York.
4. Northern Harrier
- Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
- Life span: Up to 10 years
- Size: 18-24 inches in length
- Weight: 12-26 ounces
- Food: Small mammals, birds
- Wingspan: 40-48 inches
- Status: Fairly common
The Northern Harrier, also known as the marsh hawk, is a distinctive bird with an owl-like face.
With a life span of up to 10 years, they measure 18 to 24 inches long and have a wingspan ranging from 40 to 48 inches. Weighing between 12 to 26 ounces, Northern Harriers primarily feed on small mammals and birds.
Their fairly common status indicates successful adaptation to New York’s diverse landscapes, including marshes and grasslands.
5. Rough-legged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
- Life span: Up to 10 years
- Size: 18-24 inches in length
- Weight: 1.5-3.5 pounds
- Food: Small mammals, birds
- Wingspan: 52-54 inches
- Status: Uncommon
The Rough-legged Hawk, characterized by feathered legs, is an uncommon but captivating resident of New York. With a life span of up to 10 years, they measure 18 to 24 inches in length and have an impressive wingspan of 52 to 54 inches.
Weighing between 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, Rough-legged Hawks primarily feed on small mammals and birds. Their uncommon status suggests a preference for specific habitats, such as open fields and tundra, within the region.
6. Broad-winged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
- Life span: Up to 7 years
- Size: 13-17 inches in length
- Weight: 9-20 ounces
- Food: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles
- Wingspan: 28-37 inches
- Status: Common
The Broad-winged Hawk is a common hawk species in New York, recognized for its distinctive markings and relatively smaller size.
With a life span of up to 7 years, they measure 13 to 17 inches long and have a wingspan ranging from 28 to 37 inches.
Weighing between 9 and 20 ounces, Broad-winged Hawks display versatility in their diet, including small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Their common status highlights their adaptability to different environments within the state.
7. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 14-20 inches in length
- Weight: 7-24 ounces
- Food: Birds, small mammals
- Wingspan: 24-35 inches
- Status: Common
The Cooper’s Hawk, a medium-sized bird of prey, is a common sight in New York. With a life span of up to 12 years, they measure 14 to 20 inches long and have a wingspan ranging from 24 to 35 inches.
Weighing between 7 and 24 ounces, Cooper’s Hawks are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on birds and small mammals.
Their adaptability to both urban and suburban environments contributes to their common status in the region.
8. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
- Life span: Up to 10 years
- Size: 9-13 inches in length
- Weight: 3-7 ounces
- Food: Small birds
- Wingspan: 16-22 inches
- Status: Common
The Sharp-shinned Hawk, a small and agile predator, is a common hawk species in New York. With a life span of up to 10 years, they measure 9 to 13 inches long and have a wingspan ranging from 16 to 22 inches.
Weighing between 3 to 7 ounces, Sharp-shinned Hawks specialize in preying on small birds, utilizing their speed and maneuverability for successful hunts.
Their common status reflects their ability to thrive in various habitats, from woodlands to urban areas.
9. Osprey
- Scientific name: Pandion haliaetus
- Life span: Up to 25 years
- Size: 21-24 inches in length
- Weight: 2.5-4.5 pounds
- Food: Fish
- Wingspan: 54-72 inches
- Status: Common
The Osprey, often called the “fish hawk,” is a common raptor found near water bodies in New York.
With a remarkable life span of up to 25 years, they measure 21 to 24 inches long and boast an impressive wingspan ranging from 54 to 72 inches.
Weighing between 2.5 to 4.5 pounds, Ospreys are specialized fish hunters, utilizing their sharp talons to catch their prey.
Their common status highlights their association with aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas within the state.
Best Places to Spot Hawks in New York
Jump on a bird-watching adventure in the heart of New York, where the city’s skyline meets the wild beauty of nature.
From soaring Red-Tailed Hawks to agile Cooper’s Hawks, discover the best spots for hawk enthusiasts to witness these majestic raptors in action.
Central Park
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park offers a haven for birdwatchers. Head to the Ramble and North Woods areas to catch glimpses of Red-Tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks as they navigate the park’s diverse habitats.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Located in Queens, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge provides a coastal haven for migrating hawks.
Witness the spectacle of Ospreys hunting over the bay and watch for Sharp-Shinned Hawks and Peregrine Falcons patrolling the skies.
Inwood Hill Park
At the northern tip of Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park offers a peaceful retreat and a prime location for spotting raptors.
Explore the forested areas and open fields where Red-Shouldered and Broad-Winged Hawks may appear.
Hudson River Park
Along the Hudson River, this park provides a scenic backdrop for hawk-watching. Look to the skies for Red-Tailed Hawks soaring above the river, utilizing the thermals created by the urban landscape.
Fort Tryon Park
Adjacent to Inwood Hill Park, Fort Tryon Park offers another excellent birding destination.
Scan the skies for Northern Goshawks and Rough-Legged Hawks, especially during migration seasons when these impressive birds traverse the area.
Croton Point Park
Venture a bit north of the city to Croton Point Park for a serene hawk-watching experience.
Positioned along the Hudson River, this park provides an ideal setting to observe Red-Tailed Hawks and other raptors navigating the river corridors.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, these six locations offer fantastic opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of hawks in their natural habitat amid the vibrant energy of New York.
Wrapping Up
As the sun sets over the city that never sleeps, the diverse hawk species of New York continue to captivate both seasoned birdwatchers and casual observers.
From the iconic Red-Tailed Hawk to the elusive Northern Goshawk, each species plays a vital role in the intricate tapestry of urban and natural ecosystems.
Exploring Central Park’s Ramble, the coastal haven of Jamaica Bay, and the tranquility of Inwood Hill Park reveals the soaring beauty of hawks and their resilience in navigating the city’s skyline.
As we celebrate these majestic birds, let their presence inspire a deeper appreciation for the intersection of nature and urban life in the heart of New York. Thank you very much.
