Have you ever marveled at a Hawks in Louisiana? These birds of prey command the skies with sharp talons and piercing eyes. Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems—swamps, forests, marshes, and urban areas—host a remarkable variety of hawks.
This guide explores ten hawk species you can spot in the state. Each section details their traits, habitats, behaviors, and conservation needs. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, you’ll discover the fascinating world of Louisiana’s hawks.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31
Key Takeaways:
- Louisiana is home to ten hawk species with unique adaptations.
- Habitats range from wetlands and forests to suburban neighborhoods.
- Some hawks migrate, while others stay year-round.
- Conservation efforts protect hawks from habitat loss and pollution.
- Prime birdwatching spots include Kisatchie National Forest and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.
1. Red-tailed Hawk – Iconic Red Tail:
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life Span: 10–20 years
- Size: 18–26 in (45–65 cm)
- Weight: 24–51 oz (690–1460 g)
- Wingspan: 43–57 in (110–145 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Behavior: Solitary, soaring hunter
- Habitat: Open fields, urban areas, forests
Seeing a Red-tailed hawk is like encountering a king of the air. Red-tailed hawks are Louisiana’s most prevalent hawks. Their reddish-brown tail shines in sunlight as they glide over fields or sit atop power poles. They have dark brown backs and light-colored underbellies with a streaked “belly band.”
Adults eat rodents, snakes, and birds with accuracy using a “perch-and-pounce” tactic. You’ll find them in rural areas, along highways, or in cities like Baton Rouge. Year-round residents, they build large stick nests in tall trees or on cliffs. Females lay 1–3 eggs in spring, and both parents share incubation duties. Their adaptability thrives in Louisiana’s varied landscapes.
Birdwatchers can spot them in Kisatchie National Forest, where open fields provide ideal hunting grounds. Conservation focuses on safeguarding their habitats from urban sprawl. Theirs is the recognizable scream that appears in films, heard ringing out across Louisiana skies.
2. Red-shouldered Hawk – Piercing Call:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 17–24 in (43–61 cm)
- Weight: 17–27 oz (486–774 g)
- Wingspan: 37–43 in (94–111 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Frogs, snakes, small mammals
- Behavior: Vocal, territorial
- Habitat: Wooded wetlands, riverbanks
Exploring Louisiana’s swamps brings out the Red-shouldered Hawk. Its piercing “kee-ah” call rings through the air as it marks its territory. The medium-sized hawk has reddish shoulders and barred tails, and its wings exhibit a translucent “window” when backlit. It preys on frogs, snakes, and rodents in forested wetlands, typically roosting low to search for prey. Specifically, find them in the Barataria Preserve outside New Orleans.
These hawks breed in tree forks along water, constructing homes with sticks and moss. Females commonly lay 2–4 eggs, which incubate for approximately a month. Being year-round residents, they strongly defend their nests and have persistent populations. Wetland drainage still poses a threat to their habitats.
Birdwatchers ought to come in the morning, when they are most active. Furthermore, attending a Cajun Hawk Watch event can add to your experience. Because of their colorful plumage and loud calls, these hawks are a favorite among birdwatchers.
3. Cooper’s Hawk – Stealthy Hunter:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 14–20 in (35–50 cm)
- Weight: 8–24 oz (220–680 g)
- Wingspan: 24–35 in (62–90 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds, mammals
- Behavior: Agile, secretive
- Habitat: Forests, suburban areas
Through thick woods or backyards, the Cooper’s Hawk swoops in silently. Its slate-colored back, reddish-barred chest, and long tail give this hawk uncanny agility. It zips through trees to grab small birds such as sparrows or doves, even near bird feeders. Look for them in Louisiana suburbs or parks such as City Park in New Orleans.
As permanent residents, they construct nests in thick cover, employing twigs and bark. Females usually lay 3–5 eggs, and males bring food during incubation. Their hunting skills sometimes lead to conflicts with backyard birders, who might view them as a threat to their feeder birds.
Populations are stable, yet window collisions are a serious hazard. To have a better chance of spotting one, birdwatchers can employ the use of binoculars to follow their swift flight patterns. Spotting these shy animals is best done by visiting suburban green areas during the evening hours. Their shyness only makes each encounter all the more exhilarating.
“The hawk, though it flies high, always returns to the earth for its sustenance.” – John James Audubon
4. Broad-winged Hawk – Migratory Flocks:
- Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
- Life Span: 10–12 years
- Size: 13–17 in (34–44 cm)
- Weight: 9–20 oz (265–560 g)
- Wingspan: 31–39 in (79–100 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small vertebrates
- Behavior: Social during migration
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests
Seeing Broad-winged hawks in Louisiana is like seeing a sky parade. These little hawks make “kettles” of thousands on spring and fall migration. Their brown back and barred underside blend with the woods.
They eat insects, frogs, and small mammals as they roost in Louisiana’s woods. Go to Cameron Parish during migration and spot them. They nest in northern woods, making nests in tree canopies. Males and females both lay 1–3 eggs, incubating them for around a month. Their migrations are thousands of miles to South America.
Loss of habitat in stopover locations imperils their travels. Birders should consult migration calendars for peak seasons. A hawk watch festival provides expert advice. Their flocking forms unforgettable spectacles.
5. Sharp-shinned Hawk – Tiny Predator:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
- Life Span: 5–10 years
- Size: 9–13 in (23–34 cm)
- Weight: 3–8 oz (85–220 g)
- Wingspan: 16–22 in (42–58 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds
- Behavior: Fast, elusive
- Habitat: Forests, suburban areas
Slipping through trees, the Sharp-shinned hawk is Louisiana’s smallest raptor. Its short tail and rounded wings distinguish it from the Cooper’s hawk. This tiny predator hunts small birds at feeders or in forests, using lightning-fast ambushes. You’ll find them in suburban yards or Kisatchie National Forest.
Year-round residents, they nest in dense conifers, using twigs and bark. Females lay 4–5 eggs, and males hunt to feed the family. Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger predators. Window collisions and habitat fragmentation pose threats. Birdwatchers should look for their rapid, low flights. Visiting wooded areas at dawn yields the best views. Their speed adds excitement to every encounter.
6. Northern Harrier – Low Glider:
- Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
- Life Span: 7–12 years
- Size: 18–20 in (45–50 cm)
- Weight: 10–26 oz (290–750 g)
- Wingspan: 38–48 in (97–122 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Low, gliding flight
- Habitat: Marshes, grasslands
Gliding low over marshes, the Northern Harrier hunts with elegance. Its owl-like face and white rump patch stand out. Males are gray, while females are brown with streaked underparts. This hawk skims Louisiana’s coastal wetlands for rodents and birds, using acute hearing to locate prey. Visit Sabine National Wildlife Refuge to spot them. They nest on the ground in tall grass, laying 4–6 eggs.
Their numbers decline due to wetland loss. Birdwatchers should scan open marshes at dusk for their tilting flight. Joining a guided tour enhances sightings. Their unique hunting style captivates observers.
“In the hawk’s flight, we see the balance of freedom and purpose.” – Rachel Carson
7. Swainson’s Hawk – Long-distance Migrant:
- Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 19–22 in (48–56 cm)
- Weight: 24–48 oz (690–1360 g)
- Wingspan: 47–57 in (120–145 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small mammals
- Behavior: Social during migration
- Habitat: Open fields, prairies
Flying thousands of miles, the Swainson’s hawk beautifies Louisiana’s skies as it migrates. This long, dark, bibbed raptor has light underparts and pointed wings. Males have grayish heads, but females have brown heads. It takes insects and rodents in open fields, following farm equipment to catch grasshoppers or mice. Find them in agricultural fields such as Vermilion Parish in spring or fall. They construct nests in solitary trees or shrubs, with sticks and grasses.
Males deposit 2–4 eggs, incubated for 34–35 days. Their migrations to South America, traveling up to 12,000 miles round-trip, are among the longest of any raptor. Exposure to pesticides during wintering areas endangers their well-being, as chemicals are stored in their prey. Habitat destruction due to agricultural encroachment also diminishes stopover habitats. Birders need to go to fields in rural areas in September for the peak of migration.
Employing a spotting scope assists in following their high, circling flight. Attending a migration watch on the coast of Louisiana provides expert advice. Their persistence and social flocks are awe-inspiring to observers. Reducing pesticide application and maintaining grasslands are the main conservation measures. Organic farming can assist their survival.
8. Rough-legged Hawk – Winter Visitor:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 18–23 in (46–59 cm)
- Weight: 25–49 oz (720–1400 g)
- Wingspan: 52–57 in (132–145 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Hovering flight
- Habitat: Open fields, marshes
Arriving in winter, the Rough-legged hawk brings Arctic charm to Louisiana. Its feathered legs, unique among hawks, protect it in cold climates. Light morphs have pale heads and dark belly patches, while dark morphs appear nearly black. This hawk hovers over fields or marshes, diving for voles and small birds. Spot them in coastal refuges like Sabine or Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. They breed in the Arctic, building nests on cliffs or tundra slopes.
Females lay 3–5 eggs, with clutch size varying based on prey availability. Their winter visits to Louisiana depend on food scarcity up north. Wetland drainage and power line collisions threaten their populations. Birdwatchers should scan open areas in January for their hovering flights, identifiable by dark wrist patches.
Bringing a field guide helps distinguish them from Red-tailed Hawks. Visiting refuges during cold fronts increases sightings, as they move south. Their buoyant flight and adaptability fascinate observers. Conservation efforts aim to protect wintering habitats and reduce electrocution risks. Supporting wetland restoration ensures their stopover sites remain intact.
9. Ferruginous Hawk – Rare Wanderer:
- Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
- Life Span: 10–20 years
- Size: 20–27 in (51–69 cm)
- Weight: 32–80 oz (900–2270 g)
- Wingspan: 52–60 in (133–152 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Solitary, soaring
- Habitat: Open fields, prairies
Straying only infrequently into Louisiana, the Ferruginous Hawk is a prized sighting. Being North America’s largest hawk, this big raptor has a pale head, rusty shoulders, and white undersides. With its broad wings and short tail, it rides effortlessly across the skies. It preys on rabbits, prairie dogs, and birds in open prairies, employing powerful dives from tall perches.
You may find them in western Louisiana, around Shreveport, in winter. They construct large nests in trees, on cliffs, or even on the ground, made of sticks and bones. Females usually lay 2–4 eggs, which are incubated for 32–33 days. Grassland conversion to agriculture limits their range, forcing them to move to more marginal habitats. Illegal hunting and rodent poison also present major threats to their survival.
Birders ought to venture out onto rural prairies during December for the potential encounter. With improved observation, a zoom camera lens may also be able to capture their lovely plumage. Openings after storms are likely to be rewarded with stragglers. Their rare appearances in Louisiana can only raise hopes among bird enthusiasts.
Conservation is directed toward protecting grasslands and managing pesticides. We can assist in keeping their habitat intact and allow this stunning raptor to survive by supporting land trusts.
“The hawk’s cry reminds us that nature’s voice must be heard.” – David Attenborough
10. Harris’s Hawk – Social Hunter:
- Scientific Name: Parabuteo unicinctus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 18–23 in (46–59 cm)
- Weight: 18–31 oz (520–880 g)
- Wingspan: 40–47 in (102–120 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Cooperative hunting
- Habitat: Open woodlands, suburbs
Hunting in groups, the Harris’s hawk is an uncommon treasure in Louisiana. This communal raptor has dark brown feathers, a white-tipped tail, and rusty wing spots. 2–6 hawks work together in groups to pursue prey such as rabbits, lizards, or birds, employing coordinated strategies.
Find them in open woodlands or suburban settings around New Orleans or Lafayette. They construct nests in low trees or cacti, employing sticks and leaves. They lay 2–4 eggs, usually having several clutches annually. Their range in Louisiana is restricted by urbanization and habitat fragmentation, where they’re near the fringe of their distribution. They face threats from vehicular accidents and illegal trapping from small populations.
Suburban urban parks in spring should be visited by bird watchers to see them work together. Capturing their interactions on a video camera provides evidence of their social structure. Traveling to woodsy suburbs during noon, when they’re on the move, increases sightings. Their social behavior and fearlessness amaze observers.
“We must protect the forests, not only for the trees but for the hawks that soar above them.” – Aldo Leopold
Hawk Species in Louisiana:
| Hawk Species | Special Characteristic | Habitat | Migration Status |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Iconic Red Tail | Open fields, urban | Year-round |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Piercing Call | Wooded wetlands | Year-round |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Stealthy Hunter | Forests, suburbs | Year-round |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Migratory Flocks | Woodlands | Migratory |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Tiny Predator | Forests, suburbs | Year-round |
| Northern Harrier | Low Glider | Marshes | Migratory |
| Swainson’s Hawk | Long-distance Migrant | Open fields | Migratory |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Winter Visitor | Marshes, fields | Migratory |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Rare Wanderer | Prairies | Migratory |
| Harris’s Hawk | Social Hunter | Woodlands | Year-round |
6 Best Locations for Hawk Watching in Louisiana (Hotspots Revealed):
Louisiana’s geography provides ideal conditions for hawks. Below are the best places to observe these raptors, tailored to the habitats of the ten hawk species.
Kisatchie National Forest – Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks:
Visiting Kisatchie National Forest presents the opportunity to view Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned hawks. This central Louisiana forest of 600,000 acres has pine woodland and open ground. Red-tailed hawks cruise over open areas, catching rodents from aerial perches. Sharp-shinned hawks zip between dense tree cover, pursuing small birds. Trails such as Longleaf Vista have unobstructed views. Go early morning to observe active hunting activity.
“The hawk, though it flies high, always returns to the earth for its sustenance.” – John James Audubon
Barataria Preserve – Red-shouldered Hawks:
Venturing to Barataria Preserve reveals Red-shouldered hawks in their element. Part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park near New Orleans, this preserve spans 26,000 acres of wetlands. Red-shouldered hawks perch in cypress-tupelo swamps, calling with their distinctive “kee-ah.” Boardwalks along Bayou des Familles offer easy access. Spring visits coincide with nesting season for close-up views.
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge – Northern Harrier and Rough-legged Hawks:
Participating in a hawk watch in Cameron Parish highlights Broad-winged and Swainson’s Hawks. Situated in this coastal parish, a key migration hub, birders have the opportunity for amazing sightings. Broad-winged Hawks create “kettles” of thousands on both spring and fall migrations. Swainson’s Hawks, on the other hand, migrate through in September, circling fields to find thermal updrafts.
The Cajun Hawk Watch festival provides guided tours, giving expert explanations of hawk migration patterns. To maximize your experience, consult migration calendars for peak periods, so you don’t miss the breathtaking flights of these regal raptors.
Cameron Parish – Broad-winged and Swainson’s Hawks:
Scan Sabine National Wildlife Refuge into the realm of Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks. This 124,000-acre refuge along Louisiana’s coast has marshes and grasslands. Northern Harriers ride low over wetlands, swooping on rodents with owl-like faces. Rough-legged hawks winter through, patrolling open spaces. The Wetland Walkway offers unobstructed views. Winter months, particularly January, are best for viewing.
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge – Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks:
Discovering the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge unveils Rough-legged and Ferruginous hawks. This 34,000-acre refuge in southwest Louisiana includes marshes and prairies. Rough-legged hawks hover over fields in winter, targeting voles. Ferruginous hawks, though rare, wander into open areas. The Pintail Loop trail offers prime viewing. Visit after cold fronts for increased activity.
City Park, New Orleans – Cooper’s and Harris’s Hawks:
Strolling through City Park in New Orleans reveals Cooper’s and Harris’s hawks. This 1,300-acre urban park mimics natural habitats. Cooper’s hawks hunt birds near feeders in wooded areas. Harris’s hawks, rare in Louisiana, roam open woodlands. Scout Island provides clear sightlines. Dusk visits catch their stealthy flights.
Protecting Louisiana’s Raptors – Key Conservation Challenges:
Protecting hawks ensures their survival. Habitat loss from urban development threatens wetlands and forests. Pesticides contaminate prey, harming hawk health. Collisions with vehicles and windows injure many. Support groups like the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:
Landscape alteration threatens the habitats of hawks. Urban development in cities such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans degrades forests available for Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned hawks. Draining wetlands to support agriculture destroys Red-shouldered hawk habitat in swamps such as the Barataria Preserve.
Conversion of grassland in western Louisiana restricts Ferruginous hawks’ winter habitats. Hawks, including Broad-winged and Swainson’s, that migrate lose vital stopover sites because of forest loss. Habitat fragmentation isolates populations, lessening breeding success.
Pesticides and Pollution:
Polluting food chains is injurious to hawks. Pesticides such as rodenticides bioaccumulate in prey, impairing Red-tailed and Northern Harrier hawks. Coastal pollution of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge impacts Rough-legged hawks’ winter diets.
Swainson’s hawks are threatened by insecticides on South American wintering habitats. Polluted water bodies in Louisiana bayous minimize prey for Red-shouldered hawks. Bioaccumulation affects reproduction and survival.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts:
Crashing into human infrastructure wounds hawks. Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned hawks hit windows in urban landscapes such as City Park, New Orleans. Red-tailed and Rough-legged hawks are electrocuted by power lines.
Cars strike Harris’s hawks in suburban areas. Poaching, although infrequent, kills Ferruginous hawks in rural areas. Misconceptions regarding hawks’ predation cause deliberate injury.
Climate Change Impacts:
Changing weather conditions interrupt hawk behavior. Increasing temperatures disrupt the migration schedules of Broad-winged and Swainson’s hawks. Shoreline erosion along Cameron Parish limits stopover habitat. Severe weather, such as hurricanes, destroys nests of Red-shouldered and Harris’s hawks. Degrading prey influence impacts Northern Harriers in wetlands.
“We must protect the forests, not only for the trees but for the hawks that soar above them.” – Aldo Leopold
Frequently Asked Qestions (FAQs):
What is the most common hawk in Louisiana?
Spotting hawks in Louisiana often leads to the Red-tailed hawk. This raptor dominates the state’s skies. Its reddish-brown tail and broad wings stand out. Kisatchie National Forest hosts many. Year-round residents, they adapt to diverse habitats. Their distinctive scream echoes everywhere.
Is it good to have a hawk in your yard?
Welcoming a hawk in your yard brings benefits. Hawks like Cooper’s or Red-tailed control rodents and pests. They keep ecosystems balanced. However, they may hunt small birds at feeders. This can upset birdwatchers.
What does it mean when a hawk hangs around your yard?
Noticing a hawk lingering in your yard suggests opportunity. Red-tailed or Cooper’s hawks stay for abundant prey like mice or birds. Your yard mimics their habitat. Trees or open spaces attract them. They may perch to hunt or rest. It’s a sign of a thriving ecosystem.
How do you tell the difference between a Cooper’s hawk and a Red-tailed hawk?
Distinguishing a Cooper’s hawk from a Red-tailed hawk is simple. Cooper’s hawks are smaller, with sleek bodies and long tails. They have gray backs and reddish chests. Red-tailed hawks are larger, with broad wings and reddish tails. Look for Cooper’s in forests or yards, Red-tails in open fields. Size and tail color are key.
What species of falcons can be found in Louisiana?
The most common species of falcon in Louisiana include: Peregrine Falcon: Known for its speed, it’s typically seen in the coastal areas and sometimes in urban areas. American Kestrel: The smallest falcon in North America, often found in rural and suburban areas. Merlin: A smaller, faster falcon that is occasionally spotted during migration.
Final Thoughts:
Louisiana is a hawk enthusiast’s paradise. These magnificent birds dominate the sky, flying over swamps, diving into forests, and even lounging in backyards. Whether it’s the ubiquitous Red-tailed Hawk standing on a fence post or a once-in-a-lifetime Harris’s Hawk hunting with its brood, there’s always something spectacular to witness.
But life’s not simple for these birds. Losing their homes to development, feeding on poisoned prey, and avoiding cars and windows make life difficult. The good news? We can assist. Easy tasks such as maintaining wild areas as wild.
The next time you’re outdoors, take a gander up in the sky. You may catch a glimpse of a hawk gliding on the wind—a living testament that wild Louisiana is deserving of protection. Let’s ensure these aerial hunters remain around for generations to appreciate.