The Hawk Migration Association of North America was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit all-volunteer organization. Its purpose is to advance the knowledge of raptor migration across continents; to help establish rational basis for future monitoring of raptor populations; and to provide, through the use of standard reporting forms and procedures, a data bank on migrations for the use of professional and amateur ornithologists.

Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and promote conservation of raptor populations through study, enjoyment, and appreciation of raptor migration.