Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Indiana

Indiana’s skies are graced by notable hawks, eagles, and falcons, like bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons. These birds of prey symbolize Indiana’s biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem health by regulating pest populations and exemplifying the state’s vibrant wildlife.

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Indiana

Eagles

There are only two types of eagles native to the state.

Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle

The bald eagle was removed from the federal list of endangered species in 2007, but Indiana could pull it out from its endangered list only in 2008. Currently, there are around 350 nesting pairs in the state.

Hawks

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
American Goshawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk (Accidental)
Swainson’s Hawk (Accidental)

You will find the red-tailed, Cooper’s, broad-winged, red-shouldered, and sharp-shinned hawks in central Indiana. All the said hawks, along with the rough-legged species, are also common in the northern part of the state. Southern Indiana, additionally, has the American goshawk because of its abundance of thickly wooded regions. The sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks are counted among the smallest in the state.

Falcons

American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon (Accidental)
Crested Caracara (Accidental)
Gyrfalcon (Accidental)

Ospreys

Osprey

Harriers

Northern Harrier

Indiana is famous for the spectacular views it offers of hawk migration. Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter is the best in this regard. The Kankakee Sands is an excellent place for rough-legged hawk sightings. Patoka, Monroe, and Mississinewa Lakes are great places to visit if you want to do some eagle-watching on your own.