Hawks in Colorado: Most Common Hawk Species

Colorado is a haven for bird enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by raptors like hawks. These majestic birds of prey are a crucial part of the state’s ecosystem, and spotting them in the wild is a thrilling experience. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, understanding the various hawk species and their behaviors in Colorado can enhance your outdoor adventures.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the hawks that call Colorado home, explore their habitats, and provide tips on spotting them. Get ready to meet Hawks in Colorado and discover where to find these awe inspiring birds.

Meet The Hawks of Colorado

Colorado is home to a wide variety of hawks, each with unique characteristics. These birds of prey are known for their sharp talons, keen eyesight, and powerful beaks, which make them formidable hunters. Hawks play a significant role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling rodent and small mammal populations.

There are several species of hawks in Colorado, ranging from the well-known Red-tailed Hawk to the elusive Northern Goshawk. Understanding these species helps bird watchers appreciate their diversity and role in the natural world.

Also Read This Blog: Sparrow Symbolism – The Meaning of These Modest Birds

Overview of Species Hawk in Colorado

Hawk Species	Habitat	Size	Diet
Red-tailed Hawk	Open fields, deserts, woodlands	18-26 inches	Rodents, small mammals
Cooper’s Hawk	Forested areas, suburban regions	14-20 inches	Birds, small mammals
Northern Harrier	Marshes, grasslands	18-20 inches	Rodents, birds, insects
Swainson’s Hawk	Grasslands, prairies	18-22 inches	Insects, small mammals
Sharp-shinned Hawk	Dense forests, woodlands	10-14 inches	Birds
Ferruginous Hawk	Open plains, deserts	22-27 inches	Rabbits, rodents
Rough-legged Hawk	Tundra, open fields	18-24 inches	Small mammals, birds
Northern Goshawk	Mountain forests, woodlands	20-26 inches	Birds, mammals
Broad-winged Hawk	Woodlands, forest edges	13-17 inches	Small mammals, insects
Red-shouldered Hawk	Wooded areas near water	17-24 inches	Amphibians, small mammals

Popular Hawk Species in Colorado

Red tailed Hawk

The Red tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and commonly seen hawks in Colorado. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail, this bird thrives in open habitats like fields, deserts, and woodlands. Red-tailed Hawks are large and powerful, often spotted soaring high in the sky with their broad wings. They primarily feed on rodents and small mammals, making them a crucial predator in the ecosystem.

Cooper’s Hawk

The Hawks in Colorado is a medium sized bird of prey that prefers forested areas and suburban regions. These hawks are incredibly agile and are known for their ability to navigate through dense trees while hunting smaller birds. With their striking grayish blue feathers and reddish-orange chest, Cooper’s Hawks are a common sight in Colorado’s forests and even urban areas.

Northern Harrier

Recognizable by their unique owl like face, the Northern Harrier is often found gliding low over marshes and grasslands. These hawks have a distinct hunting style, using their keen sense of hearing to locate prey hidden in vegetation. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and insects, making them versatile hunters.

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk is a migratory bird that spends its summers in Colorado’s grasslands and prairies. Known for their long wings and preference for hunting insects like grasshoppers and crickets, these hawks travel thousands of miles to South America during the winter. Swainson’s Hawks are often seen in large groups during migration, a spectacle that draws bird watchers from all over.

Sharp shinned Hawk

The Sharp shinned Hawk is one of the smallest hawks in Colorado, yet it is a fierce predator. These hawks prefer dense forests and woodlands, where they hunt small birds with incredible speed and precision. Their sharp talons and swift flight make them efficient hunters, often seen darting through trees in pursuit of their prey.

Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in North America and is a rare but exciting find in Colorado. These hawks are known for their rust colored feathers and their preference for open plains and deserts. Ferruginous Hawks primarily hunt rabbits and rodents, and their impressive size and strength make them formidable predators.

Rough-legged Hawk

The Rough legged Hawk is a winter visitor to Colorado, often seen in open fields and tundra-like habitats. These hawks are unique for their feathered legs, which help keep them warm in colder climates. Rough-legged Hawks are skilled hunters of small mammals and birds, often hovering in the air before diving to catch their prey.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is a secretive and powerful raptor that inhabits Colorado’s mountain forests. Known for its aggressive hunting style, the Northern Goshawk preys on birds and mammals, using its strong talons and sharp beak to capture its prey. Spotting a Northern Goshawk is a rare and rewarding experience for bird watchers in Colorado.

Broad-winged Hawk

The Broad winged Hawk is a smaller raptor that prefers wooded areas and forest edges. These hawks are known for their impressive migratory journeys, forming large flocks called kettles as they travel south for the winter. Broad winged Hawks feed on small mammals and insects, and their migration patterns make them a fascinating species to study.

Red-shouldered Hawk

The Red shouldered Hawk is a striking bird of prey that prefers wooded areas near water. These hawks are known for their reddish brown shoulders and distinctive call. They feed on a variety of prey, including amphibians, small mammals, and birds. Red shouldered Hawks are less common in Colorado but can still be spotted near rivers and wetlands.

Exploring The Habitats of Hawks in Colorado

Colorado’s diverse landscape provides an ideal environment for a variety of hawk species. From the high altitude mountain forests to the open grasslands and marshes, each habitat supports different types of hawks.

• Mountain Forests: Northern Goshawks and Red-tailed Hawks are commonly found in Colorado’s mountain forests. These areas provide ample hunting grounds and nesting sites.
• Grasslands and Prairies: Swainson’s Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks thrive in Colorado’s grasslands, where open spaces make it easier to spot prey from above.
• Marshes and Wetlands: Northern Harriers prefer marshy areas, where they hunt for small mammals and birds. These habitats are crucial for supporting a variety of bird species.

Hawk Habitats in Colorado

Habitat	Common Hawk Species	Notable Features
Mountain Forests	Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk	Dense trees, high altitudes
Grasslands and Prairies	Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk	Open spaces, abundant prey
Marshes and Wetlands	Northern Harrier	Water sources, dense vegetation

Spotting Techniques and Tips

Spotting hawks in the wild requires patience, a keen eye, and knowledge of their behaviors. Here are some tips to help you find and identify these magnificent birds:

Look for Movement: Hawks are often seen soaring in the sky or perched high on trees and poles. Keep an eye on the horizon for any movement.

Listen for Calls: Many hawks have distinctive calls that can help you locate them. For example, the Red tailed Hawk’s scream is a common sound in the wild.

Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars can make a big difference in spotting hawks, especially those that perch far away or are high in the sky.

Visit Hawk Watching Sites: Certain locations in Colorado are known for hawk migrations and sightings. These include open fields, national parks, and wildlife reserves.

Conservation Status of Hawks in Colorado

While many hawk species in Colorado are thriving, some face challenges due to habitat loss, human activities, and environmental changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats, monitoring populations, and promoting awareness about the importance of these birds.

• Red-tailed Hawk: Stable population, commonly seen across the state.
• Northern Goshawk: Considered a species of concern in some areas due to habitat loss in forests.
• Ferruginous Hawk: Near threatened status, with ongoing efforts to protect open plains and grasslands.

Conservation organizations in Colorado work tirelessly to ensure that hawks continue to thrive in the state’s diverse environments. Supporting these efforts can make a significant impact on the preservation of these incredible birds.

Colorado Birds of Prey Identification

Identifying hawks in Colorado can be challenging, as many species have similar features. Here are some key identification tips:

• Size and Shape: Larger hawks like the Red tailed Hawk have broader wings, while smaller hawks like the Sharp shinned Hawk have more compact bodies.
• Coloration: Look for distinguishing colors, such as the reddish tail of the Red-tailed Hawk or the rust-colored feathers of the Ferruginous Hawk.
• Flight Patterns: Hawks have unique flight styles. For example, Northern Harriers glide low over fields, while Red-tailed Hawks soar high in the sky.

Where to Find Hawks in Colorado

Hawks in Colorado diverse geography offers plenty of opportunities to spot hawks. Some of the best locations for hawk watching include:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: A prime location for spotting Northern Goshawks and Red-tailed Hawks.
• Pawnee National Grassland: Ideal for observing Swainson’s Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks in their natural habitat.
• Barr Lake State Park: A popular spot for bird watchers, where various hawk species can be seen, especially during migration seasons.

Whether you’re exploring Colorado’s mountains, plains, or wetlands, there’s always a chance to encounter these remarkable birds of prey.

Also Read This Blog: woodpecker spiritual meaning and symbol

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Kind of Hawks Do We Have in Colorado?

Hawks in Colorado hosts a variety of hawks, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Ferruginous Hawk. Each species thrives in different habitats across the state, from grasslands to mountain forests.

Are Hawks Protected in Colorado?

Yes, hawks are protected under both federal and state laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This protection helps preserve their populations and habitats, ensuring they continue to play their ecological role.

Are Hawks Good to Have Around?

Absolutely! Hawks help control rodent and small mammal populations, benefiting farmers and gardeners. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and balanced wildlife community.

What Are Hawks Famous For?

Hawks are famous for their impressive hunting skills and sharp eyesight. They are skilled predators, using their keen vision to spot prey from great distances and their powerful talons to catch it.

Summary 

Hawks in Colorado include species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk. These birds of prey thrive in diverse habitats, from open grasslands to dense forests. They play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. Protected by law, hawks are a vital part of Colorado’s wildlife and ecosystem.