With its expansive grasslands, riparian corridors, and vast agricultural landscapes, Nebraska serves as a dynamic habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including an impressive collection of hawks. The presence of hawks in Nebraska provides a captivating sight, thrilling bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
Types of Hawk in Nebraska
Red-tailed Hawks: This large and familiar bird of prey, the Red-tailed Hawk, can be observed in diverse habitats throughout Nebraska, including the prairies of the Sandhills region.
Northern Harriers: Known for their distinctive facial discs, Northern Harriers can often be seen gliding over the wetlands and grasslands of the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District.
Swainson’s Hawks: Renowned for its long migrations, Swainson’s Hawk frequents the open fields and prairies around central Nebraska, particularly in the Platte River Valley.
Cooper’s Hawks: A frequent sight in urban areas, the agile Cooper’s Hawk can often be spotted in cities like Lincoln and Omaha as well as in woodlands statewide.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: The smallest hawk in North America, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is an occasional sight in the forests of the Niobrara National Scenic River area.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Red-shouldered Hawks are a rarer sight in Nebraska but can sometimes be found in riparian woodlands, particularly along the Missouri River.
Ferruginous Hawks: Preferring open grasslands and prairies, Ferruginous Hawks are most likely to be seen in the western parts of Nebraska, particularly around the Wildcat Hills.
Broad-winged Hawks: More commonly seen in eastern Nebraska, Broad-winged Hawks frequent the deciduous forests around Ponca State Park during migration periods.
Northern Goshawks: A rare sight, the powerful Northern Goshawk occasionally visits Nebraska during winter, particularly in the Pine Ridge region.
Rough-legged Hawks: Rough-legged Hawks, known for their feathered legs, can be seen in Nebraska during the winter months, especially in the open habitats of the central and western parts of the state.
Nebraska Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Nebraska
Rowe Sanctuary: Located near Kearney, this sanctuary hosts a diversity of hawks including Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks. It’s a premier location for hawk-watchers due to its abundant prey and wetland habitat.
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area: This area in northwestern Nebraska is home to a wide variety of hawks such as the Northern Harrier and Ferruginous Hawk. The rugged terrain offers ideal nesting and hunting opportunities for these raptors.
Scotts Bluff National Monument: A popular spot for viewing migrating birds, including hawks. The bluffs provide a vantage point to see Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and the occasional Northern Goshawk.
Indian Cave State Park: Located on the banks of the Missouri River, this park hosts a variety of hawks such as the Broad-winged Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk, especially during migration seasons.
Fontenelle Forest: Near Omaha, this area is a great place to see Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Sharp-shinned Hawks among its mature forests and wetlands.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawk Species in South Dakota | Outdoor Campus West |
| Hawk Species in Iowa | Hitchcock Nature Center |
| Hawk Species in Missouri | Rockwoods Reservation |
| Hawk Species in Kansas | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge |
| Hawk Species in Colorado | Rocky Mountain Hawk Watch |
| Hawk Species in Wyoming | Teton Raptor Center Hawk Watch |