There are several species of hawks found in North America, with Ontario having its unique collection of hawks and eagles. Depending on the source, up to 25 species of hawks can be found in North America, each with their particular habitat and food source. This article will focus on the characteristics of the hawks and eagles found in Ontario, along with their distribution and interesting facts about each species. With pictures provided, this guide will be useful for identifying hawks and eagles in Ontario.
THE 8 HAWKS FOUND IN ONTARIO
Ontario houses eight different hawk species, which include the Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Northern Goshawk. These birds of prey possess unique characteristics and behaviors that set them apart from each other. Spotting one of these magnificent birds can be a thrilling experience, and with the aid of photographs, you can identify which hawk species you encountered in Ontario.
1. RED-TAILED HAWK
Length: 17.7-25.6 in
Weight: 24.3-51.5 oz
Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in
Red-tailed Hawks are among the most prevalent hawk species in North America and represent almost 90% of the worldwide population of this species. They can be found year-round in Southern Ontario and throughout North America. Red-tailed Hawks breed extensively in Ontario but migrate south during the winter to replenish their population.
These hawks are frequently observed soaring in the sky, using their excellent vision to search for prey or perched on telephone poles along the roadside. They are most active during the day or early morning. However, due to their preference for larger prey, they are not typically seen waiting around backyard bird feeders. If you’re interested in learning more about Red-tailed Hawks, you can follow this link.
A brief video clip shows a Red-tailed Hawk with a squirrel trapped beneath a signpost. These intelligent birds of prey are highly adaptable and have different meanings to different people.
2. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
Length: 16.9-24.0 in
Weight: 17.1-27.3 oz
Wingspan: 37.0-43.7 in
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a species commonly found in Southern Ontario and throughout the eastern half of the United States throughout the year. They can be found between Toronto and Detroit and between Lake Huron and Lake Eerie during the spring and summer months. These hawks feed primarily on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
The population of Red-shouldered Hawks in their range has increased over the past 50 years. However, the clearing of forested areas where they breed and nest poses the greatest threat to their species. These hawks are well-known for breeding and surviving in wooded and forested areas. Red-shouldered Hawks usually return to the same nest year after year. For more information on the Red-shouldered Hawk, click on the link provided.
3. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
Length: 9.4-13.4 in
Weight: 3.1-7.7 oz
Wingspan: 16.9-22.1 in
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in North America and can be found in Ontario’s southern region all year round. However, it is not commonly found in other areas of the province. This hawk breeds in Canada and Alaska and migrates to Central America during the winter months.
These hawks are migratory, and as they fly through the region each year, there may be a few chances to spot them. They are adept at stalking backyard feeders, so be on the lookout if you have feeders in your yard. If you spot one, consider removing your feeders for a week or two so that the hawk can continue its migration uninterrupted. Learn more about the Sharp-shinned hawk here.
4. COOPER’S HAWK
Length: 14.6-17.7 in
Weight: 7.8-24.0 oz
Wingspan: 24.4-35.4 in
During the breeding season, Sharp-shinned Hawks can be found in Southern Ontario, and they may sometimes appear larger than Cooper’s Hawks. On the other hand, the Cooper’s Hawk is more common in Southern Canada and much of the United States during the spring and summer months.
These hawks are known for following feeders and preying on other birds. They prefer to live in forests and wooded areas but may also make their nests in suburban wooded areas and gardens. Female Cooper’s Hawks are typically larger and more dominant than males. Check out this video to learn more about distinguishing between Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
5. BROAD-WINGED HAWK
Length: 13.4-17.3 in
Weight: 9.3-19.8 oz
Wingspan: 31.9-39.4 in
Broad-winged Hawks can only be found in Southern Ontario during the breeding season. These hawks can be seen along the shores of The Great Lakes and in forests during both the spring and fall. Broad-winged Hawks migrate in large groups known as “kettles,” which can number in the thousands. Another way to spot them in Ontario is by listening for their piercing whistle while walking through a forest.
The female Broad-winged Hawk lays one to five eggs in a single clutch each year, and she and the male work together to build the nest. They build their nests at least a half-mile away from other birds of prey and fiercely defend their nesting territory. The diet of the Broad-winged Hawk is similar to that of most other birds of prey.
6. NORTHERN GOSHAWK
Length: 20.9-25.2 in
Weight: 22.3-48.1 oz
Wingspan: 40.5-46.1 in
The Northern Goshawk is a large bird of prey found year-round throughout most of Ontario. They are similar in size to Red-tailed Hawks, but have a distinctive pale stripe above their eyes. These birds inhabit mature forests and can be challenging to locate due to their preference for the upper levels of the forest. It’s best to walk quietly and listen for their calls to spot them.
Northern Goshawks are known for their aggressive behavior, especially during breeding season when they fiercely defend their nests and young. They have a varied diet that includes birds, small mammals, insects, and carrion. They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of any available food source. If you want to learn more about the Northern Goshawk, follow this link.
7. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
Length: 18.5-20.5 in
Weight: 25.2-49.4 oz
Wingspan: 52.0-54.3 in
Rough-legged Hawks are unique among American hawks in that they have feathered legs all the way down to their toes, along with Ferruginous Hawks. There are two morphs of Rough-legged Hawks: light morph and dark morph. In both morphs, males and females have distinct plumage. Light morphs have a lighter color and a two-toned light/dark pattern beneath their wings and tails, while dark morphs are a dark chocolate brown color with a mottled pattern.
Rough-legged Hawks are migratory birds that spend their winters in Southern Ontario and breed in the far north of Alaska and northern Canada. During the non-breeding season, they have a wider range and can be found throughout most of Canada and the United States. Winter and migration periods are the best times to spot a Rough-legged Hawk in most areas.
8. NORTHERN HARRIER
Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
Length: 18.1-19.7 in
Weight: 10.6-26.5 oz
Wingspan: 40.2-46.5 in
Northern Harriers are a unique hawk species with distinct features, such as their owl-like faces, white tail patch, and gliding style. They can be easily spotted in most of Ontario during the breeding season and year-round in the southern part of the province. They are commonly found in open areas like marshes and fields.
Unlike other hawk species, Northern Harriers mainly prey on small animals, and their sense of hearing plays a crucial role in capturing prey. They are known for their ability to fly low over the ground while listening for prey movements.