What Is the Scientific Name for Hawk? The common hawk scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk).
Hawks are some of the most fascinating birds of prey in the world. Belonging to the family Accipitridae together with other birds such as eagles, kites, and harriers, raptors are recognized by hawk scientific names, classification, and species to track these birds globally and consider their diversity.
Table of Contents
What Is the Scientific Name for Hawk?
The binomial name for a hawk is not a single word, but varies depending on the species. Hawks are arranged in different genera, including Buteo (soaring hawks) and Accipiter (forest hawks).
- Genus Buteo: Broad-winged hawks, such as the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Genus Accipiter: Forest hawks, such as the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Biological Classification of Hawk
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo, Accipiter, Parabuteo |
| Species | Varies by species |
Meaning and Pronunciation of Hawk
Scientific names are derived from Latin or Greek words that indicate descriptive terms tied to the appearance and behavior of the bird or its place of origin.
Red-tailed Hawk biological Name
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Pronunciation: BYOO-tee-oh juh-MAY-kin-sis
- Meaning:
- Buteo: buzzard or hawk
- jamaicensis: attached to Jamaica, where it was first discovered
Scientific Name of Cooper’s Hawk
- Binomial Name: Accipiter cooperii
- Pronunciation: AK-sip-ih-ter KOO-per-eye
- Meaning:
- Accipiter: hawk
- Named for naturalist William Cooper
Red-shouldered Hawk Scientific Name
- Latin Name: Buteo lineatus
- Pronunciation: BYOO-tee-oh lih-NAY-tus
- Meaning:
- lineatus: lined, referring to the striped pattern in its feathers.
These names ensure that scientists around the world can be confident about the identification of some birds.
Types of Hawks with Hawk Scientific Name
The world has over 200 species of hawks. Below is a list of major hawk types along with their biological name:
| Common Name | Hawk Scientific Name | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | North America |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Accipiter cooperii | USA |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | North America |
| Harris’s Hawk | Parabuteo unicinctus | South America |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Buteo regalis | Canada, USA |
| Black Hawk | Buteogallus anthracinus | Central America |
Red-tailed Hawk Scientific Name:
The red-tailed hawk’s scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis. It is among the most widespread types and is characterized by keen eyesight and hunting prowess.
Harris’s Hawk Scientific Name:
The Harris hawk has the scientific name of Parabuteo unicinctus. It is also known to hunt in groups, a behavior uncommon among hawks.
Hawk Diet: What Do Hawks Eat?
The hawk has a diverse diet. It is the scientific name of a bird species that is a carnivore and a very accurate hunter.
Primary Diet of Hawk:
- Small birds
- Mice and rats
- Rabbits and squirrels
- Snakes and lizards
- Insects
- Fish (in some species)
Hawk Hunting Technique:
Hawks see prey flying in the air and then fall onto it with high velocity, latching on to it with their sharp talons. The hawk’s scientific name group exhibits advanced hunting behavior that helps maintain the balance of nature.
Hawk Habitat: Where do Hawks Live?
Hawks may inhabit a wide variety of habitats. The hawk species is found in forests, deserts, grasslands, mountains, coastal areas, and even cities.
Common Hawk Habitats:
- Tall trees for nesting
- Cliffs and rocky mountains
- Open fields for hunting
- Urban buildings and towers
The hawk’s binomial name, Buteo jamaicensis, shows that this hawk adapts to many environments.
Hawk Physical Features (Weight, Height, Size, Wingspan)
| Feature | Measurement Range |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 0.7 to 1.5 kg |
| Wingspan | 3.5 to 4.5 feet |
| Speed | Up to 150 mph (dive) |
| Lifespan | 20 years average |
The hawk species has a strong body and sharp claws that help it survive.
Hawk vs Eagle:
| Feature | Hawk | Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buteo jamaicensis (example) | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Size | Medium | Larger |
| Diet | Small mammals | Fish, large animals |
| Wingspan | 3.5 to 4.5 feet | Up to 7.5 feet |
| Strength | Moderate | Very strong |
Hawk Sound, Communication, and Behavior

How to communicate with a hawk?
Hawks do make a loud and shrill sound. The hawk’s voice is powerful as a means of communication, territory defense, and a warning signal.
Hawk Sound Examples:
- Kee-eeeee-arr: sound of red-tailed hawk
- Short screams: sound of alarm
- Chirping: between partners
The species of the hawk communicates through vocal sounds for mating and territory alerts.
Hawk Behavior and Adaptation
Hawks are smart and well-planned hunters. The scientific name group of hawks shows strong territorial behavior. When hunting, they fly silently and use thermal air currents for effortless gliding.
Main Hawk Behaviors:
- Hunting alone (except for Harris’s hawk)
- Protection of territory
- Winter migration behavior
Hawk Reproduction and Life Cycle
The hawks’ courtship and mating occur in the spring. Various kinds of hawks make huge nests out of twigs and other materials.
Egg and Chick Development:
- A female lays 2 to 5 eggs
- Eggs hatch in 28–35 days
- Both parents feed chicks
- Juvenile hawks usually learn to fly within six weeks
- Strong parental care is a characteristic of the hawk group.
Importance of Hawks in the Ecosystem
The hawk’s scientific name keeps the number of small mammals in check. If there are no hawks, the rodent populations would increase rapidly, and they would then cause havoc on the farms due to their feeding on the crops.
Interesting Facts About Hawks
- Hawks’ vision is 8 times sharper than that of humans.
- The hawk’s are indicative of its keen sense of sight, which enables it to detect prey from a mile away.
- Hawks can twist their heads as much as 180 degrees.
- They are the ones who keep the rodent population in check, and thus are of great assistance to the farmers.
Conclusion
The scientific name of the hawk is the basis for the entire game of identification for scientists, researchers, and bird watchers. The name celebrates the good and bad rights of birds in the natural world. It also mentions studying the bird’s behavior, diet, migration, reproduction, and its role in the ecosystem during the research. Every time we discover the scientific name of the hawk, we become aware of its position as an apex predator in nature and therefore its.
The scientific name of the hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, is more than just a tag. It is the secret to understanding one of the most powerful birds in the sky.
Also read:
- Discover Bald Eagle Scientific Name And Eagle Species List
- Owl Scientific Name, Genus, Habitats, Diets, and Types
- Blue Jay Scientific Name, Genus, Habitats, Diets, and Types
- Discover Dodo Bird Scientific Name and Proper Classification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hawk scientific name?
The common hawk scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis.
What is the lifespan of a hawk?
Hawks can live up to 20 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.
What is the hawk diet?
The hawk’s diet includes small mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects.

