Florida, a state known for its vast biodiversity, is a magnificent playground for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Among its extensive variety of avian inhabitants, hawks in Florida hold a particularly notable position. These splendid birds of prey in Florida are revered for their predatory prowess, striking appearance, and majestic flight.
Types of Hawks in Florida
Red-shouldered Hawk - Commonly found throughout Florida, they are typically seen in forests and swamp areas, including the Everglades National Park. Their distinctive, kee-rah call is often heard before they are seen.
Red-tailed Hawk - The Red-tailed Hawk is another common sight in Florida. They prefer open areas with high perching places, such as trees and utility poles. They are frequently seen in the Ocala National Forest.
Cooper’s Hawk - Cooper’s Hawks are often found in Florida’s woodlands and forests, such as the Apalachicola National Forest. Although they’re less abundant than the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, they’re still fairly common.
Broad-winged Hawk - Broad-winged Hawks are a frequent sight during the migration season in Florida. They can be seen in great numbers in the Everglades during their fall migration.
Sharp-shinned Hawk - Sharp-shinned Hawks are somewhat elusive and primarily found in dense forests across Florida. Despite their relative scarcity, they are regularly spotted in Florida’s birding hotspots like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Northern Harrier - Also known as the Marsh Hawk, the Northern Harrier can be seen in open habitats such as marshes and grasslands in Florida. It’s less common than other hawks, but birders may spot them at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Short-tailed Hawk - Short-tailed Hawks are rare but they are resident in Florida, particularly in the southern parts of the state. Their preferred habitat is in the subtropical highland forests like those found in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Swainson’s Hawk - Although the Swainson’s Hawk is not resident in Florida, it passes through the state during its long migration from South America to North America. Sightings are rare, but possible, especially during the spring migration period.
White-tailed Hawk - White-tailed Hawks are relatively rare in Florida. Sightings are more likely in the southernmost regions of the state, such as the Florida Keys. Their preference for open grasslands and prairies makes spotting them a challenging but rewarding experience.
Northern Goshawk - Northern Goshawks are extremely rare in Florida, with only occasional sightings reported. They are more commonly found in northern regions, but some birders have reported sightings during migration periods.
Rough-legged Hawk - Rough-legged Hawks are rare visitors to Florida. They typically live in the Arctic and only venture this far south during the harshest winter months. Birders may have a slim chance of spotting these hawks in Florida’s northernmost regions.
Ferruginous Hawk - Ferruginous Hawks are the least common hawk in Florida. They typically inhabit the Western part of North America and sightings in Florida are extremely rare. The vast open grasslands of their typical habitat are not commonly found in Florida, making the state less appealing for these large hawks.
Florida's Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Florida
Cape Florida State Park
Located on Key Biscayne near Miami, Cape Florida State Park is a prime location for hawk-watching. It offers a diverse range of habitats, including coastal dunes, hardwood hammocks, and seagrass beds. This variety attracts various hawk species, including the Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and the occasional Peregrine Falcon.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Situated in Micanopy, just south of Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve is a vast and diverse wildlife haven. The park features wetlands, prairies, and hammocks, providing habitat for numerous bird species, including hawks. Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Northern Harriers can be spotted soaring above the prairies, while wooded areas may offer sightings of Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks.