Canada’s vast landscapes—from Arctic tundra to prairie grasslands and dense boreal forests—support a diverse range of hawk species. Each province and territory hosts different types depending on habitat, climate, and migration patterns. Western Canada is known for prairie specialists like the Ferruginous Hawk, while eastern forests are home to Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks.
Northern regions see breeding Rough-legged Hawks, and southern provinces host year-round residents like the Red-tailed Hawk. This state-wise (province-wise) guide highlights where each hawk species occurs across Canada, helping birdwatchers understand regional distributions and identification opportunities.
What Is a Hawk?
“Hawk” is a general term used for medium to large birds of prey within the family Accipitridae. In Canada, hawks typically fall into three main groups:
- Buteos – Broad-winged, soaring hawks of open areas
- Accipiters – Agile forest hunters
- Harriers – Low-flying marsh and grassland specialists
Let’s explore each species found in Canada.
🦅 Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
The Broad-winged Hawk is a small but stocky forest hawk best known for its spectacular fall migrations. It measures 34–44 cm (13–17 inches) in length, weighs 265–560 g (9–20 oz), and has a wingspan of 81–100 cm (32–39 inches). Compared to other Buteo hawks, it has relatively short, broad wings and a compact body.
Adults are brown above with pale underparts marked by reddish-brown barring. The tail features bold black-and-white bands, which are often visible in flight. Juveniles are streaked rather than barred below.
Broad-winged Hawks breed in eastern Canadian forests, especially in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. They prefer mature deciduous or mixed woodlands near water.
Their diet consists of small mammals, frogs, snakes, insects, and small birds. They hunt from perches beneath the forest canopy rather than soaring over open terrain.
The species is famous for forming massive migratory flocks called “kettles,” where hundreds or even thousands spiral upward on thermal air currents during autumn migration to Central and South America.
🦅 Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
The Northern Goshawk is the largest of Canada’s forest hawks. Adults measure 41–69 cm (16–27 inches) long, weigh 630–1,400 g (1.4–3 lb), and have a wingspan of 89–127 cm (35–50 inches). Females are significantly larger than males.
They have slate-gray upperparts, finely barred gray underparts, and a bold white eyebrow stripe over striking red eyes (in adults). Juveniles are brown with streaked underparts.
Northern Goshawks inhabit dense boreal forests and mountainous woodlands across much of Canada. They prefer mature forests with a closed canopy.
Their diet is diverse and includes grouse, woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, and other medium-sized prey. They are powerful and aggressive hunters, capable of ambushing prey in fast, low flights through trees.
Known for fiercely defending their nests, they may dive at intruders—including humans. Goshawks are secretive and often difficult to observe despite their size.
🦅 Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized forest hawk measuring 35–50 cm (14–20 inches) in length, weighing 220–680 g (8–24 oz), with a wingspan of 62–90 cm (24–35 inches).
Adults are blue-gray above with reddish horizontal barring on the chest and belly. Their long tail is rounded at the tip, helping distinguish them from Sharp-shinned Hawks.
They inhabit woodlands, suburban neighborhoods, parks, and forest edges across southern Canada. This species has adapted well to human environments.
Their primary diet consists of birds, which they pursue with remarkable agility through dense trees. Backyard bird feeders sometimes attract Cooper’s Hawks indirectly.
Females are much larger than males, a common trait among raptors. They are fast, stealthy hunters that rely on surprise rather than soaring.
🦅 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is Canada’s smallest hawk. It measures 24–34 cm (9–13 inches) long, weighs 85–220 g (3–8 oz), and has a wingspan of 42–68 cm (16–27 inches).
It resembles a smaller Cooper’s Hawk but has a proportionally smaller head and a squared tail tip. Adults are slate-gray above with fine reddish barring below; juveniles are brown with streaked underparts.
Sharp-shinned Hawks breed across boreal forests and mixed woodlands throughout Canada. During migration, they are common in southern regions and along the Atlantic coast.
They feed almost exclusively on small songbirds, often capturing prey near feeders or woodland edges.
Despite their small size, they are highly efficient predators and extremely agile fliers.
🦅 Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
The Northern Harrier is distinct from other Canadian hawks due to its long wings, long tail, and owl-like facial disk.
It measures 41–52 cm (16–20 inches) long, weighs 300–750 g (11–26 oz), and has a wingspan of 97–122 cm (38–48 inches).
Males are gray above with white underparts and black wingtips, while females are brown overall. Both sexes have a noticeable white rump patch visible in flight.
Northern Harriers inhabit marshes, grasslands, tundra, and open fields across Canada. They breed in wetlands and northern tundra regions.
Unlike other hawks, harriers fly low over fields in a slow, buoyant glide, using both sight and sound to detect prey.
Their diet includes voles, small birds, frogs, and insects.
They nest on the ground, which makes them vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
🦅 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread hawk in Canada and one of the easiest raptors to identify.
Adults measure 45–65 cm (18–26 inches) long, weigh 700–1,600 g (1.5–3.5 lbs), and have a wingspan of 110–140 cm (43–55 inches). Females are larger than males.
Its most recognizable feature is the rust-red tail seen in adults, though plumage varies greatly from light to dark morphs. The body is bulky with broad, rounded wings suited for soaring.
Red-tailed Hawks inhabit nearly every landscape except the far Arctic, including farmland, grasslands, forest edges, wetlands, and urban areas. They prefer open spaces with high perches such as trees, poles, or cliffs.
Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, including voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They will also take birds, reptiles, and carrion when available.
They hunt by soaring high overhead or perching and scanning the ground. Their iconic descending scream is commonly used in films to represent eagles.
Highly adaptable and resilient, the Red-tailed Hawk thrives across Canada year-round in many southern regions.
🦅 Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Swainson’s Hawk is a prairie specialist breeding primarily in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
It measures 46–56 cm (18–22 inches) long, weighs 700–1,500 g (1.5–3 lbs), and has a wingspan of 120–140 cm (4–4.5 feet).
Adults typically have brown upperparts, pale underparts, and a distinctive dark chest bib. Their long, pointed wings give them a slimmer profile than Red-tailed Hawks.
They inhabit open grasslands, agricultural fields, and prairies, often nesting in isolated trees or shelterbelts.
During breeding season, they feed mostly on ground squirrels and small mammals. However, during migration and wintering in South America, their diet shifts to large insects like grasshoppers.
Swainson’s Hawks undertake one of the longest migrations of any North American raptor, traveling over 10,000 km (6,000+ miles) annually to Argentina.
They are strongly tied to prairie ecosystems and are vulnerable to habitat changes.
🦅 Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
The Rough-legged Hawk is primarily a winter visitor in southern Canada but breeds in the Arctic tundra.
It measures 46–61 cm (18–24 inches) long, weighs 600–1,700 g (1.3–3.7 lbs), and has a wingspan of 120–150 cm (4–5 feet).
Its name comes from the feathering that extends down to the toes—an adaptation for cold climates. Plumage varies, but most show a dark belly patch and black wrist markings visible in flight.
They breed in remote Arctic regions, nesting on cliffs or tundra slopes. In winter, they move south into open farmland, marshes, and grasslands.
Their diet consists primarily of lemmings and voles, and their population numbers fluctuate depending on lemming abundance.
Unlike many hawks, Rough-legged Hawks frequently hover in place while hunting.
🦅 Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in Canada.
It measures 51–69 cm (20–27 inches) long, weighs 900–2,300 g (2–5 lbs), and has a wingspan of 120–150 cm (4–5 feet).
They have broad wings, feathered legs, and two color morphs: light and dark. Light morph birds show rusty shoulders and pale underparts, while dark morphs are chocolate-brown overall.
This species inhabits southern prairie grasslands, especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Ferruginous Hawks feed mainly on ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rabbits. They often hunt by soaring or perching on fence posts.
Unlike forest hawks, they may nest on cliffs, isolated trees, or directly on the ground.
Due to habitat loss from agriculture and development, they are considered a species of conservation concern in parts of Canada.
🦅 Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
The Red-shouldered Hawk is primarily found in southern Ontario.
It measures 38–48 cm (15–19 inches) long, weighs 500–860 g (1.1–1.9 lbs), and has a wingspan of 96–107 cm (38–42 inches).
It has reddish barring across the chest and belly, bold black-and-white banding on the tail, and distinctive reddish “shoulders.”
This hawk prefers mature deciduous forests near wetlands, rivers, and swamps.
Its diet includes small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. It often hunts from a perch before dropping onto prey.
Red-shouldered Hawks are vocal and frequently give a repeated “kee-aah” call.
Their Canadian range is limited, and they rely heavily on intact forest habitat.
Rare Hawks in Canada
Occasionally recorded but considered accidental:
- Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)
- Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus)
These species are primarily southern U.S. residents.
🦅 Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)
Physical Features
Zone-tailed Hawks measure 46–56 cm (18–22 inches) in length, weigh approximately 600–900 g (1.3–2 lbs), and have a wingspan of 120–140 cm (4–4.5 feet). They appear almost entirely dark blackish-brown in flight, with bold white bands across the tail—hence the name “zone-tailed.” Their wings are long and slightly narrow compared to other Buteo hawks.
Interestingly, they closely resemble Turkey Vultures in flight. This mimicry may allow them to approach prey without alarming it, as small animals are less wary of vultures.
Habitat & Diet
In their normal range, Zone-tailed Hawks inhabit canyons, deserts, wooded foothills, and riparian corridors. They prey primarily on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Interesting Facts
- Often soar with Turkey Vultures.
- Rare Canadian sightings are typically during migration drift events.
- Identification can be tricky due to similarity to vultures.
🦅 Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus)
Status in Canada: Accidental / Extremely Rare
The Gray Hawk is another southern species that only very rarely appears in Canada. It is primarily found in the southwestern United States (Arizona, Texas) and throughout Mexico and Central America. Any record in Canada is considered accidental and extremely rare.
Physical Features
Gray Hawks measure 46–61 cm (18–24 inches) in length, weigh around 450–800 g (1–1.75 lbs), and have a wingspan of 98–115 cm (3–3.8 feet). Adults are smooth gray above with finely barred gray-and-white underparts. The tail is boldly banded in black and white.
They have relatively short, rounded wings and a long tail compared to larger buteos.
Habitat & Diet
In their primary range, Gray Hawks prefer riparian woodlands, river valleys, and mesquite forests. They feed heavily on lizards, as well as small birds, mammals, and insects.
Interesting Facts
- Gray Hawks are highly territorial during breeding season.
- They are sometimes confused with Red-shouldered Hawks.
- Canadian records are exceptionally limited and usually involve lost migrants.
Where Are Hawks Found in Canada?
Western Canada
High diversity in prairie and mountain regions.
Central Canada
Forested regions support accipiters and forest buteos.
Atlantic Canada
Mainly Red-tailed, Broad-winged, and Rough-legged Hawks.
Northern Territories
Rough-legged Hawks dominate tundra ecosystems.
Why Hawks Matter in Canada’s Ecosystems
Hawks:
- Control rodent populations
- Maintain ecological balance
- Indicate ecosystem health
They sit near the top of the food chain, making them crucial apex predators.
Hawk Identification Tips
- Look at wing shape (broad vs pointed).
- Check tail pattern and length.
- Observe habitat.
- Watch hunting behavior.
- Listen for calls.
Conservation of Hawks in Canada
Most hawks are stable, but threats include:
- Habitat loss
- Pesticides
- Collisions with vehicles
- Climate change
Conservation efforts and wildlife protections have improved many populations.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s hawks represent an incredible range of adaptations—from Arctic tundra specialists to prairie migrants traveling thousands of kilometers each year.
Whether soaring high above farmland or weaving through forest trees in pursuit of prey, these raptors showcase power, precision, and resilience.
Learning to identify hawks deepens appreciation for Canada’s wildlife and supports conservation awareness.