Tennessee’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the sprawling Mississippi River floodplains, host a variety of hawks that adorn its skies. These awe-inspiring raptors, known for their prowess in hunting and dynamic flight patterns, are a testament to the richness of Tennessee’s wildlife.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a novice in the avian world, discovering the various hawk species that Tennessee has to offer promises to be an exhilarating adventure.
Types of Hawk in Tennessee
Red-tailed Hawks: This ubiquitous raptor can be seen soaring over open fields and highways throughout the state, including areas around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Preferring wet woodlands, they can be commonly sighted in places like the Reelfoot Lake State Park.
Cooper’s Hawks: Often found in forested and suburban areas, they are a common sight in parks like the Shelby Farms Park in Memphis.
Broad-winged Hawks: Regular sightings occur during the spring and fall migrations, particularly in the highlands of the Cumberland Plateau.
Northern Harrier: Known for their low flying hunting style, they are common in wetlands and fields like the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: These hawks are often seen in dense forests, such as the Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Rough-legged Hawks: Mostly a winter visitor to Tennessee, these hawks can be spotted in open fields, tall trees, and farmlands, particularly around the Tennessee River Valley. They prefer forest edges during the non-breeding season.
Northern Goshawks: While quite rare, they have been spotted in mature, mixed forests in the upper elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
Tennessee Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This park offers diverse habitats making it a haven for a variety of hawks, including Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks. Its vast expanse and diverse topography offer excellent opportunities for hawk watching.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Known for its wet woodlands, this park is an ideal spot for viewing Red-shouldered Hawks. The park’s aquatic environment attracts a variety of wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching.
Shelby Farms Park, Memphis
This urban park’s extensive wooded areas provide perfect habitats for Cooper’s Hawks. The park also hosts several other species, offering a good diversity for hawk-watchers.
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing part of the Tennessee River, this refuge is ideal for spotting Northern Harriers and winter visitors like the Rough-legged Hawk. Its extensive wetlands and fields provide abundant prey for these raptors.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
This park’s dense forests make it an excellent location for spotting Sharp-shinned Hawks. The large, protected area supports a healthy population of these elusive forest hawks.
| Neighbouring State | Hawk watch sites |
|---|---|
| Alabama Hawks | Monte Sano State Park |
| Arkansas Hawks | Mount Magazine State Park |
| Georgia Hawks | Panola Mountain State Park |
| Kentucky Hawks | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest |
| Mississippi Hawks | Davis Lake Recreation Area |
| Missouri Hawks | Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area |
| North Carolina Hawks | Pilot Mountain State Park |
| Virginia Hawks | Shenandoah National Park |