10/03/2026
As you're getting ready to watch the Buckeyes play the Iowa Hawkeyes today--we thought we'd reflect on some other hawks you might see in Ohio. We found some in our Museum of Biological Diversity's research collections! You can join us in the spring for our Open House event on Saturday, April 3, 2027!
The Red-Tailed Hawk is a common permanent resident hawk of Ohio. It is known for its rusty-colored tail and its broad wings used for soaring.
Did you know the Bald Eagles are also considered hawks? This eagle is a juvenile and has not developed the classic white head you might be familiar with!
The Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-Shinned Hawk are often confused for one another due to their similar plumage. The most striking difference between the two is their sizes. Cooper’s Hawks are much larger than Sharp-Shinned Hawks. You might also notice the difference in their tail feathers: Cooper’s Hawks have a much more rounded tail compared to the Sharp-Shinned Hawk which has a more squared-off tail.
What birds have you seen around Ohio or on campus?
