South Dakota, with its expansive prairies, rugged badlands, and lush forests, serves as an ideal habitat for a diverse range of hawk species. These magnificent birds of prey, celebrated for their precision in flight and skilled hunting techniques, add to the vibrancy of South Dakota’s wildlife.
Whether you’re an expert birder or just embarking on your journey into the avian world, the exploration of South Dakota’s hawks offers a truly captivating experience.
Types of Hawk in South Dakota
Swainson’s Hawks Known for their affinity to open lands, they are frequently spotted in the western plains around the city of Rapid City.
Northern Harrier Regularly sighted in the wetlands and prairies of the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern part of the state.
Ferruginous Hawks Preferring the open plains, these hawks can be seen in the Badlands National Park area.
Cooper’s Hawks Commonly found in forested areas, they can be spotted in places like the Black Hills National Forest.
Rough-legged Hawks A winter birds of prey visitor to South Dakota, they can often be seen in the open, agricultural areas of the state, especially near Brookings.
Sharp-shinned Hawks Sightings of this hawk are common in mature forests, such as the Custer State Park in the southern Black Hills.
Broad-winged Hawks Mostly sighted during migration seasons, especially in the forested regions of the state, like the Sica Hollow State Park.
Northern Goshawks While rare, Northern Goshawks have been spotted in the dense, mature forests of the Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Though not a common sight, some have been spotted around the heavily wooded areas surrounding the Big Sioux River.
Red Tailed Hawks: common and widespread bird of prey species in the region.
South Dakota Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in South Dakota
Badlands National Park
This rugged terrain offers chances to spot Red-tailed Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, and Cooper’s Hawks. The park’s unique topography provides excellent vantage points for observing these raptors.
Black Hills National Forest
A prime location for hawk watching, you might see Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Northern Harriers soaring above the forested hills.
Bear Butte State Park
Located in the northern Black Hills, this park offers a diverse habitat for Sharp-shinned Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Swainson’s Hawks.
Fort Pierre National Grassland
A sea of grass that attracts Ferruginous Hawks, Northern Harriers, and Red-tailed Hawks.
| Neighbouring State | Best Hawk Spotting Site |
|---|---|
| Iowa Hawks | Effigy Mounds National Monument |
| Minnesota Hawks | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth |
| Montana Hawks | Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge |
| Nebraska Hawks | Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park |
| North Dakota Hawks | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
| Wyoming Hawks | Hawk Mountain, Grand Teton National Park |