The graceful flight and fascinating behaviors of hawks and other birds of prey in Minnesota are truly a sight to behold, captivating the attention of nature lovers and bird watchers alike. From the prairies of the south to the boreal forests of the north, Minnesota’s diverse landscapes play host to an equally diverse array of avian species, including several types of hawks.
Types of Hawk in Minnesota
Red-tailed Hawk: This ubiquitous raptor is often seen perched on trees and telephone poles around the Grand Portage National Monument. Their recognizable red tail is particularly visible when in flight.
Cooper’s Hawk: St. Paul’s urban areas and parks serve as an unexpected habitat for the Cooper’s Hawk. Spotting this agile hunter around Como Lake is a treat for local birdwatchers.
Red-shouldered Hawk: This woodland raptor prefers the dense forests around Bemidji. Check out the expansive Lake Bemidji State Park to increase your chances of spotting one.
Northern Harrier: Known for their distinctive low flights over marshes and meadows, Northern Harriers are a common sight in the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in the northwest of the state.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: These small hawks are often observed zipping through the forested areas of Superior National Forest. Fall migration provides an ideal opportunity for spotting them.
Broad-winged Hawk: The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth offers an exceptional vantage point to spot Broad-winged Hawks during their fall migration, often seen in large groups, known as ‘kettles’.
Northern Goshawk: This elusive raptor is best sought in the remote wilderness of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Their stealthy hunting style makes them a challenging, yet rewarding find for dedicated birdwatchers.
Rough-legged Hawk: The wide, open lands of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge become a winter home for Rough-legged Hawks. Watch out for their hovering flight as they search for prey.
Swainson’s Hawk: These long-distance migrants can be seen in the prairie regions of southwestern Minnesota. Blue Mounds State Park is one such place to catch sight of these soaring birds.
Ferruginous Hawk: This large but rare hawk species is sometimes sighted in the western grasslands of Minnesota, particularly around Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Its unique light coloration and rusty hue make it a memorable sighting for birdwatchers.
Minnesota Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Minnesota
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory: Located in Duluth, this site is renowned as one of North America’s best places to experience the fall raptor migration, with thousands of hawks, including Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks, passing through each year.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge: Situated in the heart of one of the most diverse transition zones in North America, Tamarac is a hotspot for Northern Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks, among others.
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area: Just north of the Twin Cities, this area offers excellent opportunities to observe resident and migratory raptors like Cooper’s Hawks and Northern Goshawks.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Stretching along the Minnesota River, this refuge provides ample viewing opportunities for a variety of hawk species throughout the year.
Whitewater State Park: Nestled in the bluff lands of southeastern Minnesota, this park’s diverse terrain attracts a wide range of raptors, including Red-shouldered Hawks.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawks found in North Dakota | Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area |
| Hawks found in South Dakota | Outdoor Campus West |
| Hawks found in Iowa | Hitchcock Nature Center |
| Hawks found in Wisconsin | Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station |