Massachusetts hosts three Accipiter species: sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and northern goshawk. These bird-eating hawks are long-tailed and possess relatively short, rounded wings and therefore are frequently virtually identical in features, making them tricky to identify.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
the sThe littlest accipiter, the sharp-shin can be a rare breeder in Massachusetts, although it could be observed in good numbers in migration. Experienced hawk watchers could differentiate it from the more expensive Cooper’s hawk by the more compact head and less rounded tail.harp-shin
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Within the past 30 years that the growth from Cooper’s hawk was striking. Once rarer in the place of sharp-shin, it has bounced back and could currently be seen across their state. Although most in house in wooded areas in modern times it has become more prevalent in suburban locations. In adult plumage the northern goshawk is unmistakable, but the immatures tend to be confused with all the smaller Cooper’s hawk. It is extremely rare and is most often seen in larger forests. On its own breeding territory, it is exceptionally aggressive and will attack passers by.
Buteos
Their favorite food is often composed of small mammal, however they will feed on birds, reptiles, and even insects. Buteos incorporate the rough-legged hawk, red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk, and red-shouldered hawk.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Even the buteo of those woods, the red-shouldered hawk could be recognized in flight by the pale crescent on the tips of the wings or by its own insistent “keer” call. It breeds most often from Plymouth and Bristol counties, however, is rare on Cape Cod.
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Throughout the autumn hawk watchers congregate to see the migration of the broad-winged hawk. With the perfect weather, tens of thousands can be seen flying over a site on a single moment. The migration is just calibrated, so it is extremely rare to find a broad-wing in winter. Despite its prosperity during migration, it is perhaps not just a frequent breeder in Massachusetts and is declining in many regions of the state.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The typical hawk the red tail is found in cities, suburbia, and the country. It feeds primarily on squirrels and other tiny mammals, and rarely presents any threat to humans or pets. Only adults sport a red tail young birds (who’re the same size as adults) keep their brown tails to get the season following arrival. Young birds continue to rely on their parents for food for a month or two longer following fledging and at late summer may frequently be discovered for food.Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) Rough-legged hawks are arctic breeders but frequently go south west to Massachusetts in the winter. Search for rough-legs in large open fields which is their preferred habitat. They have been the only buteo that regularly searches by “kiting,” or hovering in place.
