Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s falcons, hawks, and eagles thrive in its diverse terrain. The red-tailed hawk’s broad adaptability spans forests to open areas. Bald eagles, once endangered, now grace rivers and lakes, symbolizing conservation success. Peregrine falcons in urban areas demonstrate adaptation, while woodlands house Cooper’s hawks, reflecting the habitat variety of the state that is the key to its ecological health.

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

Eagles

There are two types of eagles native to Pennsylvania.

Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle

The bald eagle, the US national bird, is a common sight in the state. Watching the bird tending to its nest, eggs, and young is thrilling. Nest-building occurs in November or December, with eggs laid from mid to late February.

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)

The sharp-shinned hawk, though migratory, can be found year-round in the state. But it is not very common. It is the smallest hawk in Pennsylvania. The Cooper’s hawk is also a small hawk that is a year-round resident. But it is more common. The largest hawk in the state is the rough-legged species.

Falcons

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

Ospreys

Osprey

Harriers

Northern Harrier

Bird enthusiasts can see hawks migrating past Hawk Mountain from mid-August through mid-December in autumn and from April through mid-May in spring. Winter through spring is a great time to see many eagles and their active nests at Pymatuning Reservoir, Conneaut, and Geneva marshes in northwestern Pennsylvania. Bald eagle nests are aplenty along the Susquehanna River and northern Berks County. A pair of bald eagles is the main attraction of Little Lehigh Creek near Center City, Allentown.