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Are you ready to meet Alaska’s amazing hawk species? These birds of prey are some of the most impressive creatures you’ll encounter in the Alaskan wilderness.
With their sharp talons, keen eyesight, and powerful wings, these hawks are perfectly adapted to life in the rugged Alaskan landscape.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Alaska’s six different hawk species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
You’ll learn about their habitats, hunting techniques, and breeding habits, as well as some fun facts and pictures that will help you get to know these magnificent birds better.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just a curious nature enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet some of Alaska’s most fascinating feathered residents.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska is home to 6 different species of hawks, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors.
- Hawks in Alaska include the Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Swainsons Hawk, and Northern Harrier.
- These hawks have different habitats and behaviors, with some being migratory and others living year-round in Alaska.
- The article provides fun facts and pictures for each species of hawk, highlighting their unique features and behaviors.
Hawk Species in Alaska
You’ll be amazed to know that Alaska is home to six different species of hawks, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, and Northern Harrier.
These magnificent birds of prey can be found in different habitats throughout the state, from forests high up in the trees to wide-open areas such as fields and marshes.
Hawk watching is a popular activity in Alaska, and there are many conservation efforts in place to protect these beautiful creatures and their habitats.
Red-tailed Hawks, for example, are commonly seen soaring above or perched along the roadside on telephone poles. They prey on larger animals than just songbirds and are most active during the day or early morning.
Meanwhile, Sharp-shinned Hawks migrate north from the U.S. to Canada and Alaska to breed each year, and are notorious for stalking backyard feeders.
Conservation efforts in Alaska aim to protect these species and their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these incredible birds.
[Related Post: 7 Types Of Butterflies In Alaska]
Habitats and Behaviors
If you’re lucky, you might spot a Northern Harrier gliding over a marsh or field with its wings in the shape of a V, relying on its keen sense of hearing to capture prey.
These hawks primarily eat small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits, and they often hunt by flying low over the ground, listening for the rustling of their prey in the grass.
During breeding season, Northern Harriers build their nests on the ground or in low shrubs, and females lay between 3-5 eggs.
Sharp-shinned Hawks and Swainson’s Hawks also have interesting breeding habits. Sharpies migrate from the U.S. to Canada and Alaska to breed each year, and then return south to Central America in the winter.
Swainson’s Hawks migrate north to some areas of Eastern Alaska to breed each year, and then spend their winters in South America. These hawks have adapted well to agricultural settings as their habitat has changed over the years.
In terms of hunting techniques, both Northern Goshawks and Rough-legged Hawks are known for fiercely protecting their nests and young, with Northern Goshawks even attacking people who come too close.
Rough-legged Hawks have different plumage for males and females in both their light and dark morphs and are migratory birds with breeding range in Alaska.
During the warmer months, they are active here and often prey on small mammals like lemmings, voles, and hares.
