Birds of prey in North Dakota encompass a diverse group of raptors that inhabit the state’s landscapes. These impressive and formidable birds play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. These birds exhibit a range of sizes, with larger species like the Bald Eagle commanding attention and smaller ones like the Great Horned Owl showcasing their unique hunting capabilities.
Types of Birds of Prey in North Dakota
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in North Dakota | Best Place to Spot in North Dakota | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout North Dakota | Spring - Fall |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Throughout North Dakota | Spring - Fall |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Very Common | Throughout North Dakota | All year |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Wetlands and open fields | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Along rivers and large lakes | All year |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Common | Throughout North Dakota in winter | Winter |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Wooded areas | Spring - Fall |
| Swainson's Hawk | Large | Common | Open grasslands | Spring - Fall |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Prairie regions | Spring - Fall |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Rare | Urban areas, large dams | Spring - Fall |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Common | Western North Dakota | Spring - Fall |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Common | Throughout North Dakota | Spring - Fall |
| Snowy Owl | Medium | Rare | Northern North Dakota during irruption years | Winter |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Wetlands and open fields in winter | Winter |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Rare | Western North Dakota | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Wooded areas | All year |
| Great Gray Owl | Large | Very Rare | Northeastern North Dakota during irruption years | Winter |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Rare | Western North Dakota | Spring - Fall |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Common | Forests and woodland areas, often near water | Spring - Summer |
Other hawks in North Dakota can include the sharp shinned hawk and other migrating hawks. Sharp shinned hawks stop at Yellowstone national park as they migrate south.
Where to Spot North Dakota’s Birds of Prey
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Nestled in the Badlands of western North Dakota, this national park provides an ideal habitat for birds of prey. Here, you can spot Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons soaring above the rugged terrain.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge: This vast refuge in northwestern North Dakota is known for its mixed-grass prairie environment, which attracts a variety of raptors like Northern Harriers, Ferruginous Hawks, and Swainson’s Hawks.
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the wetlands of eastern North Dakota, this refuge is home to several species of birds of prey, including Bald Eagles, Cooper’s Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks. Its lakes and marshes provide ample hunting grounds for these raptors.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge: As one of the oldest refuges in the U.S., it’s a known breeding area for many birds, including birds of prey. Look for Prairie Falcons, Bald Eagles, and Northern Harriers in this area.
Lake Sakakawea State Park: This large reservoir on the Missouri River provides excellent opportunities to see various raptors, particularly Ospreys and Bald Eagles, that frequent the water’s edge for fishing.
North Dakota’s expansive prairies host a range of birds of prey. Witness the natural resilience reflected by Montana’s Feathered Predators. Head south to South Dakota, where the Skyborne Hunters mirror the Mount Rushmore State’s dynamic landscapes. To the east, Minnesota’s Winged Warriors echo the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes’ rich biodiversity. Uncover more about these captivating creatures with our comprehensive Guide to American Raptors.