Birds of Prey in South Dakota exhibit a captivating array of raptors that inhabit the state’s diverse landscapes. From the soaring bald eagles to the agile hawks and elusive owls, South Dakota offers a rich habitat for these remarkable avian predators. South Dakota provides ample opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the majestic beauty and fascinating behaviour of these birds in their natural habitat.
Types of Birds of Prey in South Dakota
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in South Dakota | Best Place to Spot in South Dakota | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout South Dakota | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Open fields and grasslands | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Very Common | Near lakes and rivers | All year |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Open fields and wetlands | All year |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Medium | Common | Open fields and grasslands | Winter |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Swainson's Hawk | Large | Common | Open fields and grasslands | Spring - Autumn |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Open fields and grasslands | Spring - Autumn |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Uncommon | Open mountainous regions | Autumn - Spring |
| Osprey | Large | Uncommon | Near lakes and rivers | Spring - Autumn |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Uncommon | Mixed forest areas | Autumn - Spring |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Uncommon | Deciduous and mixed woods | Spring - Autumn |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Uncommon | Open fields and grasslands | Spring - Autumn |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Rare | Urban areas and cliffs | Spring - Autumn |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout South Dakota | All year |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands across the state | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Uncommon | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Rare | Dense coniferous forests | Autumn - Spring |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Rare | Open fields and grasslands | Spring - Autumn |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Open fields and marshes | Winter |
| Long-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Dense woodlands and forests | Winter |
| Snowy Owl | Large | Rare | Open fields and grasslands | Winter |
Birds of Prey in South Dakota Photo Guides
Where to Spot South Dakota’s Birds of Prey
Custer State Park: Located in the Black Hills, this state park offers habitat for a variety of raptors, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Cooper’s Hawks. The diverse terrain provides ample opportunities for bird watching.
Badlands National Park: This dramatic landscape is home to a variety of birds of prey including Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, and Prairie Falcons. Its rugged cliffs and canyons provide ideal nesting spots for these raptors.
Bear Butte State Park: Located near Sturgis, this park offers excellent bird watching opportunities. Here, you can spot birds of prey like Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Bald Eagles.
LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge: Situated in the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota, this refuge is a haven for a variety of wildlife including many raptors such as Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Red-tailed Hawks.
Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the southeastern part of the state, this refuge provides excellent bird watching opportunities with a variety of raptors including Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Bald Eagles and you can see their breeding and witness immature birds including immature bald eagles.
South Dakota’s prairies and Badlands host a variety of birds of prey. Discover the natural beauty represented by Nebraska’s Sky Predators. Or, venture north to find birds of prey in North Dakota, where they echo the state’s untamed charm. To the west, Wyoming’s Raptors mirror the state’s wild beauty. Uncover more about these captivating creatures with our comprehensive Guide to American Raptors.