Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Vermont

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

Eagles

There are two types of eagles native to Vermont.

• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle

The bald eagle is found in wetland environments during its breeding season. They prefer open and large bodies of water with an abundance of fish. Their nests are the largest of all birds in North America.

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 red-tailed hawk is a familiar sight in the Green Mountain State, perching on trees along the highway or soaring over open farmlands.

Falcons

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

Ospreys

• Osprey

Harriers

• Northern Harrier

Unlike hawks that only use their keen eyesight to forage, northern harriers also use their sense of hearing to forage – something similar to owls. They live in open grasslands, marshes, or fields. 

Mt. Philo, located in Mt. Philo State Park, is a renowned hawk-watching site that offers beautiful Champlain Valley views. Another popular site for seeing the migrating birds is Mt. Ascutney State Park. Putney Mountain is excellent for viewing hawks, American kestrels, peregrine falcons, merlins, and bald eagles.

The best time to see the majestic bald eagles along the shores of Lake Champlain is early spring. At that time, the resident birds, which overwinter on the lake, get ready to nest. On the other hand, the northern migrants stop to rest and fish in the bountiful waters of the lake on their way to Canada.