Stretching from the rolling plains to the Ozark Mountains, Missouri’s varied landscapes create the perfect backdrop for an array of bird species, including several types of hawks. These majestic birds of prey, with their keen eyesight, impressive hunting skills, and mesmerizing flight patterns, are an integral part of Missouri’s thriving ecosystem.
As we journey into the world of Missouri’s hawks, get ready to discover more about these awe-inspiring inhabitants of the Show-Me State.
Types of Hawk in Missouri
Red-tailed Hawks: With its recognizable red tail, this hawk is commonly spotted soaring over Mark Twain National Forest. Their broad wings and short tail make them easy to identify even from a distance.
Cooper’s Hawks: Often spotted in suburban and urban areas, Cooper’s Hawks can be seen darting between trees in Forest Park, St. Louis, displaying their agility and hunting prowess.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Known for its striking plumage, the Red-shouldered Hawk can be found in the mature forests around Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks. Listen for their distinctive call to help spot these hawks.
Broad-winged Hawks: These hawks migrate through Missouri in large numbers. Visit Cuivre River State Park during the fall migration to witness the spectacle of kettling Broad-winged Hawks.
Northern Harrier: These hawks prefer open grasslands and wetlands. The marshy grounds of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge offer a prime viewing location for Northern Harriers gliding low over the ground.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: These agile hunters are often seen darting through the forests of Castlewood State Park, especially during the fall when they’re on the move.
Swainson’s Hawks: Although not common, the Swainson’s Hawks can occasionally be spotted during migration season in open fields near Prairie State Park, especially in the late summer and early fall.
Rough-legged Hawks: This winter visitor can often be sighted hovering over the open grasslands and tree branches of Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, searching for prey during the colder months.
Northern Goshawks: While rare, the elusive Northern Goshawk can sometimes be spotted in the remote wooded areas of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, particularly in the winter. Its robust size and powerful flight make it a thrilling sight for any birdwatcher.
Missouri Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Missouri
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
Just south of Columbia, this site hosts a variety of raptors including Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks. The diverse habitats and abundance of prey like small mammals make it a prime location for hawk spotting.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge in southeastern Missouri provides a perfect habitat for birds of prey. Here, you can spot Red-shouldered Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, and more.
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, this sanctuary is a hotspot during migration seasons. It offers sightings of a variety of hawks including Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks.
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Located in St. Charles County, this conservation area provides excellent opportunities to see Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and other raptor species.
Rockwoods Reservation
This woodland landscape west of St. Louis offers the chance to see woodland hawk species such as Red-shouldered Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks.
Missouri’s diverse landscapes make it a paradise for hawk-watchers. Its neighboring states, each with its unique collection of raptor species and ideal hawk-watching locations, add to the overall richness of bird watching in the region.
| Neighbouring State | Best Hawk Spotting Site |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Hawks | Mount Magazine State Park |
| Illinois Hawks | Starved Rock State Park |
| Iowa Hawks | Effigy Mounds National Monument |
| Kansas Hawks | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge |
| Kentucky Hawks | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest |
| Nebraska Hawks | Scotts Bluff National Monument |
| Oklahoma Hawks | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
| Tennessee Hawks | Radnor Lake State Park |