In the wide-open expanses of North Dakota, the grandeur of hawks takes center stage, adding to the state’s rich tapestry of wildlife. From their soaring flights to their razor-sharp hunting skills, hawks are a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Observing hawks in North Dakota, amid its diverse landscapes of prairies, badlands, and forests, provides a unique and rewarding exploration of these remarkable raptors. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual enthusiast, discovering the hawks and other birds of prey of North Dakota offers an intriguing journey into the heart of the state’s bird life.
Types of Hawk in North Dakota
Red-tailed Hawks: Often seen throughout the state, particularly soaring over the open prairies near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Its most distinctive feature is its red tail.
Swainson’s Hawks: Known for their affinity to open lands and (they come in two colorways the dark morph birds and the light morph birds), the dark morphs are frequently spotted in the northern great plains and the western parts of the state around the city of Bismarck.
Northern Harrier: Regularly sighted in the marshlands and grasslands of the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge in northwest North Dakota.
Cooper’s Hawks: Commonly found in forested areas, they can be spotted in places like the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.
Ferruginous Hawks: Preferring the open plains, these hawks can be seen in the Southwestern part of the state, particularly in the vicinity of Bowman feeding on ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rabbits.
Rough-legged Hawks: A winter visitor to North Dakota, they are often seen in the eastern agricultural areas around Fargo.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: Sightings of this hawk are common in mature forests, such as the Turtle Mountain State Forest.Broad-winged Hawks: Mostly sighted during migration season over the forested regions of the state, like in the vicinity of the city of Grand Forks.
Northern Goshawks: Though less common, they have been occasionally seen in the densely forested areas of the Rendezvous Region in Northeastern North Dakota.
Red-shouldered Hawks: An uncommon sight, but a few have been spotted around the heavily wooded areas surrounding the Sheyenne River Valley.
There are plenty of other birds of prey in North Dakota including the bald eagle and rare visits other North American hawks.
North Dakota Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park’s rugged terrain and wide-open grasslands attract a variety of raptors including the Rough-legged Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge: In the heart of North Dakota’s prairie pothole region, this refuge provides an ideal habitat for Northern Harriers and Cooper’s Hawks.
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area: Bordering Canada, this area’s deep river valley and forested hillsides are a haven for forest-dwelling species like the Broad-winged Hawks and Northern Goshawks.
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge provides excellent opportunities to observe migrating hawks in spring and fall, including Swainson’s Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawk Species in Montana | Jewel Basin Hawk Watch |
| Hawk Species in South Dakota | Outdoor Campus West |
| Hawk Species in Minnesota | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory |