Hawks are agile birds of prey found across almost every habitat. Here are some of the most common types you are likely to see.
Soaring buteo hawks
Buteos are broad-winged hawks that soar in wide circles over open country. The red-tailed hawk is the most familiar in North America, known for its rusty tail and its scream often used in films. The red-shouldered hawk favours wet woodlands and has bold reddish shoulders. The broad-winged hawk migrates in huge flocks called kettles. These birds mostly hunt small mammals from a perch or on the wing. For diet details see what hawks eat.
Agile accipiter hawks
Accipiters are woodland hawks with short wings and long tails built for fast, twisting flight among trees. Cooper's hawk and the smaller sharp-shinned hawk are the classic backyard bird hunters, often seen chasing songbirds near feeders. The northern goshawk is a larger, fierce forest hunter. These agile hawks rely on surprise rather than soaring. To see how long these raptors live, read hawk lifespan, and explore the wider birds of prey group.