Buzzards of Pennsylvania

The scientific genus of birds known as Buteo are what are commonly known as old-world buzzards. In North America these birds are grouped in with the hawk family of birds. The State of Pennsylvania is the permanent or migratory home of four members of the buzzard family. Buzzards are generally medium-sized, solidly built birds of prey with broad wings. Vultures are often mistakenly referred to as buzzards but are not a member of the Buteo family.

  1. Broad-winged Hawk

    • The smallest buzzard species in North America is the broad-winged hawk. It is between 13 and 17 inches tall with a 3-foot wingspan and weighs between 11 and 17 oz. Ranging from south-central Canada, down America's east coast into South America, it is a common species in Pennsylvania. Living in heavily wooded areas, the bird hunts small prey such as mammals, reptiles and amphibians from its perch on a tree branch. Like all hawks, they use good eyesight to pick out their prey before swooping down and grasping them in powerful talons.

    Red-shouldered Hawk

    • Ranging in height between 15 and 19 inches with a wingspan of up to 3 1/2 feet, the red-shouldered hawk is a large buzzard species. It makes its home in open woodlands near rivers and is most commonly found in the eastern U.S., with a small population in California. Common in Pennsylvania, the hawk is also found in urban areas. It hunts small rodents, reptiles and amphibians either from high perches or in flight by dropping down at great speeds and catching them in their talons.

    Red-tailed Hawk

    • North America's most common buzzard species, the red-tailed hawk is found throughout the country, up into Canada and down into Mexico. Growing to between 18 and 26 inches in height with wingspans of up to 3 1/2 feet, they are one of the largest buzzards. They are highly adaptable and are found in just about any available habitat including deserts, forests mountainous regions and urban areas. Hunting on the wing or from a high perch, the hawk feeds on small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

    Rough-legged Hawk

    • A temporary visitor to Pennsylvania, the rough-legged hawk spends its summer in the tundra areas of the northern hemisphere. Growing to between 18 and 23 inches in height with wingspans of up to 4 1/2 feet, they range from Europe to North America. During the winter months the hawks migrate to the northern states of the lower 48. Preferring open woodland areas, marshes and prairies, the bird hunts mainly from hovering above or from a perched position.