One of the great things about living in Alaska is that we get to see a variety of different hawks. While we do have some common hawks throughout the state, there are also 6 types of hawks that can be seen in Alaska.
In this article, we are going to go over each of the 6 types of hawk and what they eat. We will also provide tips on how to identify them and where you can find them in Alaska.
1. Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk is a large hawk that is found in Alaska. This hawk has a dark gray back and a white underbelly. The Northern Goshawk also has a black cap on its head. This hawk preys on small mammals and birds. The Northern Goshawk can be found in forests and woodlands.
The Northern Goshawk is a large hawk that can reach up to 24 inches in length. This hawk has a dark gray back and a white underbelly. The Northern Goshawk also has a black cap on its head.
The eyes of this hawk are yellow. The Northern Goshawk preys on small mammals and birds. The Northern Goshawk can be found in forests and woodlands throughout Alaska.
2. Rough-Legged Hawk
Rough-legged hawks are found in many different habitats throughout Alaska. They can often be seen perching on telephone poles or hunting in open fields. These hawks are most active during the day, but they will also hunt at night if there is enough light.
These hawks eat a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects.
Rough-legged hawks are named for their feathered legs, which are covered in long feathers that extend all the way down to the hawk’s toes.
These feathers help to keep the hawk’s legs warm when it is hunting in cold weather. Rough-legged hawks are also equipped with sharp talons that they use to grab and kill their prey.
If you’re lucky enough to see a rough-legged hawk in Alaska, you’ll be able to observe one of nature’s most skilled hunters in action.
These hawks are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the Alaskan ecosystem.
3. Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red-Tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in Alaska. It can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, meadows and tundra. The Red-Tailed Hawk preys on small mammals, birds and reptiles.
It has a wingspan of up to 4 feet and can reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour when diving for prey.
The Red-Tailed Hawk is easily recognizable due to its reddish brown tail feathers. These hawks are also known for their loud calls which sound like “keee-yah” or “kee-yer.”
If you’re lucky enough to see a Red-Tailed Hawk in the wild, you’re sure to be impressed by its hunting skills and aerial prowess.
4. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is a small hawk that is found in Alaska. This hawk is known for its sharp, pointed claws which it uses to catch its prey.
The Sharp-Shinned Hawk typically preys on small birds, but it will also eat insects and rodents. This hawk is found in wooded areas and is often seen perching in trees or flying low through the woods in search of its next meal.
5. Swainson’s Hawk
Swainson’s Hawks are a type of hawk that can be found in Alaska. These hawks are known for their long wings and tails, which help them to glide through the air. Swainson’s Hawks typically hunt for small mammals, such as rodents or voles, but they will also eat birds, lizards, and insects.
These hawks build their nests in trees, often using large sticks or logs. The female hawk will lay 3-5 eggs in the nest, and both parents will take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young hawks.
Once the young hawks are old enough to fly, they will leave the nest and start to hunt on their own.
Swainson’s Hawks are a beautiful bird of prey that can add some excitement to your backyard birdwatching. If you live in an area where these hawks are present, be sure to keep an eye out for them!
6. Northern Harrier
The northern harrier is a hawk that can be found in Alaska. This type of hawk is known for its long wings and tail, which help it to maneuver easily while hunting.
The northern harrier typically preys on small mammals such as voles, lemmings, and mice. These hawks will also eat birds, reptiles, and insects.
Conclusion
I have outlined the six types of hawks that are found in Alaska. Each hawk has its own unique features and hunting habits. I hope this blog post has been helpful in identifying the different types of hawks that are found in this state.
