Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in New Jersey

New Jersey hosts a variety of hawks, eagles, and falcons. While most of them are native, a few are accidental species. The natives include the adaptable red-tailed hawk, emblematic bald eagle, and urban-dwelling peregrine falcon. They illustrate the state’s ecosystem health, successful conservation efforts, and species’ ability to thrive in different environments.

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in New Jersey

Eagles

There are two types of eagles native to New Jersey.

Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle

Hawks

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

The largest hawk in the state is the rough-legged hawk, while the sharp-shinned hawk is the smallest.

Falcons

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

Peregrine falcons can be spotted year-round in New Jersey, mainly along the coast – however, their numbers peak from mid-August to November. Gyrfalcons, the largest falcons in the world, though rare, have been spotted in the south of New Jersey during winter from December to March.

Ospreys

Osprey

Harriers

Northern Harrier
Western Marsh Harrier (Accidental)

Fall is the best season to visit the hawk-watching spots in New Jersey, as that is when the birds migrate. An excellent location is Cape May, which is regarded as one of the best birding destinations in the world. Other places are the Chimney Rock Hawk Watch, Raccoon Ridge, Kittatinny Mountain, And Montclair Hawk Lookout. All these places allow you to view the state’s falcons apart from the hawks.