From the tranquil prairies to the bustling cities, Illinois is rich with a diversity of avian life, including an impressive variety of hawks. These powerful birds of prey, recognized for their keen hunting skills, impressive stature, and graceful flight, play a significant role in the Prairie State’s vibrant ecosystem.
Hawks can be found soaring over Illinois’ skies, their cries echoing across both rural and urban landscapes, adding a captivating element to the state’s wildlife tableau.
List of Hawks in Illinois
Illinois, with its diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, attracts a variety of hawk species. Here is a list of hawks in Illinois sorted by their abundance:
Red-Tailed Hawk - can be found in various habitats throughout the state, including rural areas, woodlands, and even suburban neighborhoods. Starved Rock State Park and Shawnee National Forest are popular locations to observe these majestic birds.
Cooper’s Hawk - these medium-sized hawks are often found in forested areas, and they have adapted well to urban environments too. Look for them near bird feeders or wooded parks, such as Lincoln Park in Chicago.
Red-Shouldered Hawk - can be found in woodlands and along rivers in Illinois. Their distinctive call and broad wings make them easily recognizable. Locations like the Cache River State Natural Area and the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge provide opportunities to spot these hawks.
Broad-Winged Hawk - primarily migratory birds in Illinois, passing through during spring and fall. They prefer forested habitats and can be observed during their migration at sites like the Illinois Beach State Park and Pere Marquette State Park.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk - look for them in woodlands and suburban areas, especially near bird feeders and wooded parks like the Morton Arboretum.
Swainson’s Hawk - migratory birds that visit Illinois during their spring and fall migrations. Keep an eye out for them in rural areas and grassland preserves like Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Northern Harrier - can be seen in Illinois, particularly in wetland areas and open grasslands. Places like the Emiquon Complex and the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge offer excellent opportunities to observe them.
Rough-Legged Hawk - winter visitors to Illinois, arriving from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Locations like the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park may provide sightings of these winter visitors.
Northern Goshawk - uncommon in Illinois but can be found in the state’s forested areas. While sightings are rare, forested regions like the Shawnee National Forest provide potential habitats for these powerful hawks.
Where to Spot Hawks in Illinois
Here are two notable locations known for the diversity of hawks in Illinois:
Illinois Beach State Park
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Zion, Illinois Beach State Park offers a mix of habitats, including dunes, wetlands, and woodlands. This variety attracts a wide range of bird species, including hawks. Visitors may have the chance to observe Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Broad-winged Hawks as they soar above the park’s scenic landscapes.
Starved Rock State Park
Situated in Utica, Starved Rock State Park is known for its stunning canyons, waterfalls, and forests. This natural oasis provides an ideal habitat for various raptor species, including hawks. Birdwatchers can spot Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and the occasional Sharp-shinned Hawk soaring through the canopies or perching on the park’s towering cliffs.
| Neighbouring State | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| See Hawks in Wisconsin | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory |
| See Hawks in Indiana | Indiana Dunes State Park |
| See Hawks in Kentucky | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest |
| See Hawks in Missouri | Rockwoods Reservation |
| See Hawks in Iowa | Hitchcock Nature Center |
Remember that the best times for hawk watching are during the migration seasons, typically spring and autumn.