The Basics of
Hawk Identification
Resouces
How to Identify Hawks?
It can be difficult to distinguish raptors that are far away. By looking at their shape and where the white and dark patches are located on their bodies and wings is a tool that hawkwatchers use. Look at this black and white silhouette guide provided by HMANA to distinguish shape and plumage.
What happened to the Northern Goshawk and what is the American Goshawk?
The name change for the Northern Goshawk to American Goshawk occurred on HawkCount.org over the weekend of August 14, 2023. Details about the name change are in this HMANA update are in the attached PDF file.
If you are interested, the following link will take you to the American Ornithological Society for their statement.