In Alabama, there are seven different types of hawks that call this state home. These hawks include the Sharp-shinned Hawk, the Rough-Legged Hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, the Broad-winged Hawk, the Northern Harrier, the Cooper’s Hawk, and the Red-shouldered Hawk.
This article will go over each of these hawks and what they eat, as well as what their ecological role is in Alabama.
1. Sharp-shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is a type of hawk that is found in Alabama. These hawks are known for their small size and their long, thin legs. Sharp-shinned hawks are also known for being very agile hunters. These hawks typically hunt small birds, such as sparrows and finches.
Sharp-shinned hawks are relatively small Hawks, with a body length of 9 to 13 inches. They have long, thin legs and a small head. The upperparts of these hawks are blue-gray with rusty streaks, while the underparts are pale with heavy streaking.
The tail is square-ended and the wings are pointed.
These hawks are found in wooded areas, where they hunt small birds. Sharp-shinned hawks typically perch in trees and bushes, waiting for their prey to come close enough to catch.
These hawks use their agility to quickly snatch up their prey before it can fly away.
2. Rough-Legged Hawk
The Rough-Legged Hawk is a type of hawk that can be found in Alabama. These hawks are known for their long legs, which help them to wade through deep snow in search of prey.
Rough-Legged Hawks typically hunt small mammals, such as voles and mice, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, and insects.
When hunting, Rough-Legged Hawks will perch on a high vantage point and scan the ground below for movement. Once they spot their prey, they will swoop down and grab it with their powerful talons.
These hawks are excellent hunters and can often be seen hovering in the air or circling overhead in search of food.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Rough-Legged Hawk in Alabama, you’ll be treated to a sight of one of nature’s most skilled predators in action.
These hawks are a fascinating part of the state’s ecosystem and provide an important service by keeping populations of small mammals in check.
3. Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawks are the most common type of hawk in Alabama. They are large birds of prey with red tails and dark brown bodies. These hawks are often seen perched on telephone poles or flying over fields in search of their next meal.
Red-tailed Hawks primarily eat rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals, but they will also eat reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects.
These hawks have very sharp eyesight and can spot their prey from great distances away. Once they have spotted their prey, they will swoop down and snatch it up with their powerful talons.
Red-tailed Hawks typically mate for life and build large nests made of sticks and twigs high up in trees. Both parents help to care for the young hawks until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Red-tailed Hawk in Alabama, you’ll be able to appreciate its beauty up close. These majestic birds are truly a sight to behold!
4. Broad-winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk is a type of hawk that is found in Alabama. This hawk is known for its broad wings, which help it to glide through the air with ease. The Broad-winged Hawk is also known for its bright colors, which make it easy to spot in the sky.
This hawk is a predator, and it preys on small animals such as rodents and birds. This hawk is also known to eat insects. The diet of the Broad-winged Hawk helps to keep the population of these animals under control.
The Broad-winged Hawk is an important part of the ecosystem in Alabama. This hawk helps to keep the populations of other animals in check, and it also provides a food source for other animals.
5. Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a type of hawk that is found in Alabama. This hawk is known for its long, slender body and its distinctive white rump. The Northern Harrier is also known for its hunting style, which involves flying low over the ground in order to surprise its prey.
The Northern Harrier is a relatively small hawk, with a wingspan of only about three feet. However, despite its small size, the Northern Harrier is an excellent hunter.
This hawk preys on small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, as well as birds. The Northern Harrier will often hunt in pairs or groups in order to increase their chances of success.
If you are lucky enough to see a Northern Harrier in Alabama, you will be treated to a sight of one of the most skilled hunters in the state. These hawks are truly a sight to behold!
6. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawks are a type of hawk that can be found in Alabama. These hawks are known for their hunting skills, as they are able to take down prey that is much larger than themselves.
Cooper’s Hawks are also known to be one of the fastest flying birds of prey. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these hawks in Alabama, you’ll definitely be impressed by its hunting abilities!
7. Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a type of hawk that can be found in Alabama. These Hawks are known for their red shoulders, hence their name. Red-shouldered Hawks are medium sized birds of prey, and they typically hunt for small mammals and reptiles.
These Hawks can also be found in wooded areas, which makes them perfect for hunting in Alabama’s forests. If you’re ever hiking through an Alabama forest and you see a Red-shouldered Hawk, be sure to take a picture!
Conclusion
Hawks are amazing predators that can be found all over the world. Each type of hawk has its own unique appearance and hunting style that makes them fascinating to watch.
If you’re ever in Alabama, be sure to keep an eye out for these magnificent birds of prey!
