Northern Goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis )

The Northern Goshawk has a conspicuous eyebrow. The eyebrow separates its black crown from a blue-gray back. Underparts are white. The adult has fluffy undertail coverts. It is sometimes confused with the Gyr Falcon. It inhabits conifer-dominated mixed woodlands. It preys chiefly on birds and ducks and mammals as large as rabbits. Ranges over most of Canada and the northern, western and northwest U.S.

The Northern Harrier has a white rump and owl like facial disk that is distinctive in all ages and both sexes. The adult male is grayish above and mostly white below. The female is brown above and whitish below. Harriers generally perch low and fly close to the ground with wings upraised. They prey on mice, rats, frogs and other prey. Fairly common in wetlands and open fields. Ranges over most of North America. ( Once called a Marsh Hawk.)

Osprey (Fish Hawk) ( Pandion haliaetus )

The Osprey is a dark brown above and white below, with a white head. It has a prominent dark eye stripe. Ospreys nest near fresh or salt water. They eat fish almost exclusively. They hover over water, dive toward prey, then plunge feet first to snatch their prey. Ranges over most of Canada and the north east U.S. and Alaska.

The Road-side Hawk is a common hawk of tropical and sub-tropical zones. Only casually visits North America from its southern range in Mexico, Central America and South America. It is an overall dark grayish brown with a dark bib and a pale barred belly. It looks similiar to a Broad-winged Hawk. It can be seen perched in a tree or on a fencepost by the road. It possesses acute hearing which it uses when waiting for prey. ( also called an Insect Hawk).

Rough Legged Hawk ( Buteo lagopus )

The Rough-legged Hawk has a long white tail with a dark banding The wings are long and fairly narrow. The leg is feathered to the toes. This is a hawk of the open country. It hovers while hunting. These hawks migrate in loose flocks but are otherwise generally seen singly or in pairs. Ranges over the U.S. except for the south east. It can be seen in the extreme southern parts of Canada as well as in the north.

The Red-shouldered Hawk has relatively long wings and long tail. It has reddish brown shoulders and white barring on the wings as seen from above. The Florida form is smaller and paler while the western forms are much darker red as seen from below. It is fairly common in moist, mixed woodlands and is often seen near streams. It preys on snakes, frogs, mice, crayfish and sometimes songbirds. Ranges in the eastern U.S. and in western California.

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