Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Maryland

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

Eagles

There are only two types of eagles native to Maryland.

• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle

The bald eagle, once a federally endangered species, was removed from Maryland’s list of endangered and threatened species in 2010 after the pesticide DDT ban. Since then, its population drastically increased, and as of 2022, more than 1400 pairs have been recorded in the state. 

Hawks

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

The red-tailed hawk is the most common, and Marylanders are familiar with it. It is often seen on long drives in the countryside, perched on fence posts, or soaring in the sky. The sharp-shinned hawk, the smallest in the state, frequents the forested areas of the state.

Falcons

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

Ospreys

• Osprey

Harriers

• Northern Harrier

The Chesapeake Bay region is the best place for bald eagle sightings as it has the highest concentration of these birds in the lower 48 states. The Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River in Darlington is also an excellent spot for watching them as dozens compete with each other for fish near the dam’s base. The nationally acclaimed hawkwatch site, Fort Smallwood Park, offers splendid views of hawks, ospreys, harriers, and falcons.