Brimming with expansive plains, lush forests, and fertile farmlands, Iowa is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and hawks are a proud testament to this wealth. These awe-inspiring birds of prey, with their sharp beaks and mighty wings, dot the Iowan skies, adding a unique charm to its diverse ecosystems.
Types of Hawk in Iowa
Red-tailed Hawks: Commonly spotted throughout the state, the Red-tailed Hawk is a regular resident of the open country surrounding the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
Northern Harrier: With its distinctive low hunting flight, the Northern Harrier can often be seen over the grasslands of the Driftless Area in Northeast Iowa.
Cooper’s Hawks: Known for their bird hunting prowess, Cooper’s Hawks are a familiar sight in suburban areas such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: These agile hawks prefer forested areas and are regular visitors to the woodlands around Backbone State Park.
Broad-winged Hawks: In migration season, bird watchers gather in places like Hitchcock Nature Center to witness the stunning spectacle of Broad-winged Hawks flying overhead.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Particularly fond of wet woodlands, Red-shouldered Hawks can be spotted near the Iowa River corridor in the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area.
Swainson’s Hawks: A prairie specialist, the Swainson’s Hawk can be found during the summer in the open country around the Loess Hills.
Rough-legged Hawks: A winter visitor to Iowa, the Rough-legged Hawk can be seen in places like Saylorville Lake near Des Moines during the colder months.
Ferruginous Hawks: This hawk is a rarity in Iowa, but there have been occasional sightings in the open grasslands of the Kellerton Bird Conservation Area.
Northern Goshawks: These elusive woodland hunters are infrequent visitors to Iowa, but keen birdwatchers might spot one in the dense forests of Yellow River State Forest.
Iowa Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Iowa
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Located just east of Des Moines, this refuge with its restored prairie habitat attracts many species of hawks, particularly Red-tailed Hawks.
Driftless Area: This unique region in Northeast Iowa is known for its hilly landscapes and is a great spot to observe Northern Harriers soaring above the grasslands.
Hitchcock Nature Center: A major bird migration route, particularly for Broad-winged Hawks. Fall migration is a spectacular time to visit.
Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area: This vast natural area near Iowa City, with its mix of habitats, is ideal for spotting Red-shouldered Hawks and others.
Loess Hills: These unique hills in Western Iowa attract a variety of birds of prey, including Swainson’s Hawks during the summer months.
Iowa’s varied landscapes attract a diverse array of hawks, providing incredible bird-watching opportunities. Its central location in the U.S. also makes it a perfect starting point for exploring hawk populations in neighboring states, each of which offers its unique bird-watching sites.
| Neighbouring State | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Minnesota's Hawks | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory |
| Wisconsin's Hawks | Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station |
| Illinois's Hawks | Illinois Beach State Park |
| Missouri's Hawks | Rockwoods Reservation |
| Nebraska's Hawks | Hitchcock Nature Center |
| South Dakota's Hawks | Outdoor Campus West |