Why do birders come to Hawks in Minnesota – 11 Majestic Species (Photos with IDs)!? Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota impresses with its blend of green forests, extensive prairies, glistening wetlands, and cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul. All this diversity supports more than 400 bird species, ranging from bright warblers to powerful raptors. Hawks, with their aerial beauty and hunting ability, dominate the scene.
Here’s why Minnesota’s hawk population stands out: Minnesota has 11 hawk species, with Red-tailed Hawks reigning supreme as the state’s most widespread, with over 10,000 breeding pairs. Hawk Ridge in Duluth records a maximum of 90,000 raptors during fall migration. Mid-September sees peaks in migration, powered by Lake Superior thermals. Varied habitats allow year-round inhabitants such as Cooper’s Hawks and winter visitors such as Rough-legged Hawks.
Minnesota’s skies are filled with hawks, each a flight and predation master. These birds of prey possess piercing talons and acute vision to manage rodent, bird, and insect populations. Their adaptability reaches its best in environments ranging from the city park to the far wilds. Turning to their function, hawks are predators and ecological indicators.
Conservation organizations, such as the Minnesota DNR, address habitat destruction to safeguard these birds. This book reveals Minnesota’s hawks, their behavior, habitats, and conservation, ideal for birders and nature enthusiasts looking to discover
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” – Isaiah 40:31
Key Takeaways:
- Minnesota is home to 11 unique hawk species, from the iconic Red-tailed Hawk to the rare Northern Goshawk.
- Hawks adapt to diverse habitats, thriving in cities, prairies, forests, and wetlands.
- Fall migration at Hawk Ridge in Duluth draws thousands of hawks, a must-see for birders.
- Conservation efforts shield hawks from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate shifts.
- Responsible hawk watching maximizes enjoyment while safeguarding these raptors.
1. Red-tailed Hawk – Majestic Soarer:
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life Span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 18–26 inches long
- Weight: 1.5–3.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 43–57 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Rodents, rabbits, small birds
- Behavior: Territorial, soaring hunters
- Habitat: Open fields, urban areas, forest edges
Sighting a Red-tailed Hawk brings smiles to Minnesota birders. The strong raptor, with the distinctive rusty-red tail and expansive wings, dominates open country. Its brownish back and pale underside merge completely with tree trunks when atop poles or oaks, hunting with eyesight eight times sharper than a human’s. It swoops 120 mph to grab rodents, rabbits, or small birds, benefiting farmers by controlling pests.
Mating for life, pairs give spectacular aerial displays, interlocking talons in aerial spirals during springtime. Their ear-piercing screams resonate over fields, advertising territory. Nesting high in tall trees or on city ledges, they construct massive stick nests lined with bark, reusing them annually.
Resident throughout the year, they live well in cities such as Minneapolis, nesting in skyscrapers or city parks. Winter emphasizes them against naked branches, with more than 10,000 breeding pairs statewide. In controlling rodents, they support ecological balance, solidifying their essential place in Minnesota’s ecosystems.
2. Cooper’s Hawk – Stealthy Ambusher:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life Span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 14–20 inches long
- Weight: 0.7–1.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 24–35 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds, mammals
- Behavior: Agile, secretive hunters
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs, urban parks
Gliding through thick forest, the Cooper’s Hawk personifies stealth. This medium bird of prey, with short, rounded wings and a long, rudder-shaped tail, blurs through canopies at 50 mph, surprising songbirds with lethal speed. Its slate-gray back and reddish-barred chest blend with forest cover, rendering it a ghostly hunter. Regular in Minnesota’s suburbs, it perches near backyard feeders, aiming for sparrows or doves, which raises an argument among bird enthusiasts.
When breeding, its harsh, grinding calls pierce the air. It constructs stick nests in tree crotches and frequently takes over old crow nests, laying 3–5 blue eggs. Northern birds migrate south but others remain year-round, and fall populations are enhanced by their presence.
Their flexibility to urban parks and wooded suburbs has inflated their numbers, with hundreds nesting in the Twin Cities. By controlling bird population, they regulate urban ecosystems, but their elusive nature makes it difficult for spotters to spot their rapid attacks.
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3. Broad-winged Hawk – Migratory Marvel:
- Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
- Life Span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 13–17 inches long
- Weight: 0.6–1.2 pounds
- Wingspan: 31–39 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, frogs, small mammals
- Behavior: Social during migration, secretive breeders
- Habitat: Deciduous forests
Seeing a Broad-winged Hawk kettle astounds birders. The small, stout hawk, with broad wings and white-banded tail, creates flocks numbering in the thousands during fall migration, circling in thermals at Hawk Ridge. Its brown upper surfaces and barred belly flash as it flies, helping identify it.
Nesting in Minnesota’s deciduous woodlands, it builds 30–50 feet above the ground in oaks or maples, constructing stick platforms lined with moss. It steals insects, frogs, and small mammals, stooping from low vantage points with agility. Elusive during summer, it becomes a show by September, with flocks of 10,000 birds migrating 4,000 miles to South America.
Its whistling is a high-pitched, wood-piercing sound that betrays mates. Minnesota’s North Woods is the habitat of thousands of breeding pairs, crucial to forest ecosystems. Their migration generates crowds, propelling conservation efforts and local tourism.
“The hawk’s keen eye sees the world in ways we can only imagine, a reminder of nature’s precision.” – John James Audubon
4. Sharp-shinned Hawk – Lightning Predator:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
- Life Span: Up to 5 years
- Size: 9–13 inches long
- Weight: 0.2–0.4 pounds
- Wingspan: 16–22 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds
- Behavior: Fast, elusive hunters
- Habitat: Dense forests, shrubby areas
Sprinting through thickets, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is Minnesota’s smallest raptor. With its small, compact body, abbreviated wings, and long, squared tail, it makes lightning-fast pursuits of sparrows or finches. Its blue-gray back and rufous-barred chest remind one of the Cooper’s Hawk, but its small size—it’s only slightly larger than a robin—distinguishes it.
It lurks in dense coniferous woodlands, pouncing on unsuspecting prey using foliage for cover. It constructs small, hidden nests in spruces or pines, depositing 4–5 speckled eggs. Some remain year-round, but most migrate, bulking Hawk Ridge totals in autumn.
Their fluttering wingbeats sparkle on migration, entrancing onlookers. With hundreds moving through Minnesota, they control songbird populations, sustaining forest ecosystems. Their secretiveness challenges birders, but their aerial acrobatic hunting repays sharp eyes.
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5. Northern Harrier – Graceful Glider:
- Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
- Life Span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 18–20 inches long
- Weight: 0.6–1.7 pounds
- Wingspan: 38–48 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Voles, small birds
- Behavior: Low, gliding hunters
- Habitat: Marshes, grasslands
Gliding low over marshes, the Northern Harrier enchants viewers with its grace. Its owl-like facial disc and long, slender wings amplify its hunting, using acute hearing to pinpoint voles in tall grasses. Males flaunt gray plumage, while females and juveniles sport brown, offering identification cues.
Winter visitors to Minnesota haunt prairies and wetlands like the Minnesota River Valley. Unlike most hawks, they nest on the ground, weaving grasses into low platforms vulnerable to flooding. Their buoyant, tilting flight sweeps vast fields, snaring small birds and mammals.
Numbering in the hundreds during winter, they slash rodent populations, aiding farmers. Their unique style and fragile nests underscore wetland conservation needs, rallying birders and advocates.
6. Rough-legged Hawk – Arctic Wanderer:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
- Life Span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 18–24 inches long
- Weight: 1.3–3.6 pounds
- Wingspan: 52–57 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals
- Behavior: Hovering hunters
- Habitat: Open fields, tundra
Sweeping across from the Arctic, the Rough-legged Hawk enlivens Minnesota’s winters. Its covered legs, an unusual feature, protect it from cold winds. With a mottled patchwork of brown, white, and black feathers, it flies over fields, wings beating steadily, before descending for voles or mice. Its size and wide wings make it a sight to behold against snowy backgrounds.
Avoiding dense forests, it prefers open prairies and posts itself on fence posts. It nests on cliff faces in the Arctic, so Minnesota has winter-only visitors, hundreds of which arrive by November.
Their rodent-oriented diet benefits farmers by keeping crop damage down. Migration carries them along Hawk Ridge, contributing to fall totals. Their seasonal presence kindles winter birding interest, attracting enthusiasts to countryside fields.
7. Northern Goshawk – Fierce Forest King:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life Span: Up to 11 years
- Size: 20–26 inches long
- Weight: 1.5–3 pounds
- Wingspan: 40–46 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Birds, small mammals
- Behavior: Aggressive, elusive hunters
- Habitat: Mature forests
Hiding in deep forests, the Northern Goshawk commands respect. This large raptor, with a slate-gray body, white eyebrow, and fierce red eyes, hunts birds and mammals with bold, relentless attacks. Its short wings and long tail navigate dense woods with ease, targeting grouse or rabbits.
Rarely seen, it thrives in Minnesota’s remote North Woods, nesting high in mature pines, building bulky stick nests reused annually. Some stay year-round, others migrate, joining fall flocks sparingly.
Their aggressive defense of nests—diving at intruders—earns them a fearsome reputation. With only a few hundred in Minnesota, they regulate forest prey, maintaining ecosystem health. Spotting one is a rare thrill, rewarding dedicated birders exploring secluded trails.
8. Red-shouldered Hawk – Vocal Wetland Guardian:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
- Life Span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 16–24 inches long
- Weight: 1–1.7 pounds
- Wingspan: 37–43 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians
- Behavior: Vocal, territorial
- Habitat: Wooded wetlands, forests
Crying loudly from marshes, the Red-shouldered Hawk enthralls forest wanderers. Its reddish shoulders, barred wings, and black-and-white tail shine in sunlight. It preys on small mammals, snakes, and frogs close to streams, flying low to dive. Its kee-yar calls resound when breeding, announcing territory.
In tall hardwoods, it nests in stick nests lined with leaves, laying 2–4 eggs. Some residents stay year-round, others are migrants, and Minnesota’s Mississippi River Valley has dozens. Their presence steadies wetland communities by regulating prey. Less abundant than Red-tailed Hawks, their vocal condition leads birders to wooded streams, where their beauty glows.
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“Hawks remind us that even in the wild, adaptability is the key to survival.” – Rachel Carson
9. Swainson’s Hawk – Prairie Voyager:
- Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
- Life Span: Up to 16 years
- Size: 18–22 inches long
- Weight: 1.5–2.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 46–54 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small mammals
- Behavior: Social migrants, soaring hunters
- Habitat: Prairies, farmlands
Soaring over prairies, the Swainson’s Hawk enchants with its elegance. Its long wings and dark chest distinguish it, with light and dark morphs adding variety. Feeding on insects and rodents, it thrives in open fields, often following farm equipment to snatch fleeing prey. Summer visitors to Minnesota nest in scattered trees, building stick nests.
Their epic migration to Argentina covers 6,000 miles, with dozens passing through Hawk Ridge in fall. Less common than Red-tailed Hawks, their social flocks during migration captivate observers. They control agricultural pests, benefiting farmers. Their fleeting presence in western Minnesota’s grasslands draws birders seeking their graceful flight.
10. Ferruginous Hawk – Regal Plains Hunter:
- Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
- Life Span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 20–27 inches long
- Weight: 2–4.5 pounds
- Wingspan: 52–56 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Solitary, soaring hunters
- Habitat: Grasslands, open plains
Roaming open plains, the Ferruginous Hawk awes with its grandeur. This large raptor, with white underparts and rusty legs, hunts rabbits and prairie dogs from high perches or soaring flights. Its massive size and broad wings dwarf other hawks, making it unmistakable. Rare in Minnesota, it visits western grasslands, nesting on cliffs or low trees.
Winter migration takes it south, with only a few dozen sighted annually. Their solitary nature and rodent-heavy diet aid prairie ecosystems, reducing pest populations. Spotting one in Minnesota’s open fields is a rare treat, thrilling birders with its regal presence.
11. Harris’s Hawk – Social Strategist:
- Scientific Name: Parabuteo unicinctus
- Life Span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 18–23 inches long
- Weight: 1.3–2.2 pounds
- Wingspan: 40–47 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Behavior: Social, cooperative hunters
- Habitat: Open woodlands, scrublands
Venturing rarely into Minnesota, the Harris’s Hawk fascinates with its teamwork. Its dark body and white-tipped tail stand out, with chestnut shoulders adding flair. Unlike most hawks, it hunts in packs, coordinating to tackle rabbits or birds, a strategy rare among raptors. Appearing in southern Minnesota’s scrublands, it nests in low trees, building stick platforms.
A handful migrate through annually, often escaping captivity or straying north. Their cooperative hunting regulates prey, supporting sparse ecosystems. Spotting their group dynamics is a unique thrill, captivating birders lucky enough to witness their southern visits.
Habitats of Minnesota’s Hawks – Where to Spot Them?
Exploring Minnesota’s landscapes reveals why hawks thrive. Prairies draw Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks, offering prey and perches. Forests shelter Cooper’s, Broad-winged, and Northern Goshawks, providing cover.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” – Matthew 6:26
Prairies:
Prairies attract Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks, providing rich prey such as rodents and open perches like fence posts or scattered trees. Western Minnesota’s grasslands, such as around Pipestone, are infested with mice, drawing these gliding predators. Red-tailed Hawks tend to sit on solitary trees, watching for movement, while Swainson’s Hawks ride tractors to catch fleeing insects. They serve farmers by keeping pests under control, so prairies are an important ecosystem for these hawks.
Forests:
Forests hide Cooper’s, Broad-winged, and Northern Goshawks, with thick cover for hunting and tall trees for nesting. The North Woods, such as Superior National Forest, provide superb conditions with thick pines and oaks. Cooper’s Hawks fly between branches to ambush songbirds, and Broad-winged Hawks nest in tall maples, out of sight. Northern Goshawks
Wetlands:
Wetlands host Northern Harriers, where voles abound and broad grasses provide distinctive ground nests. Land such as the Minnesota River Valley erupts with prey, which brings these low-gliding predators. Their owl-like faces pick up rustling rodents, directing sharp attacks. Preservation of these vulnerable habitats, susceptible to flooding, guarantees Harriers flourish, boosting biodiversity in marshy areas.
Urban Areas:
Urban areas support Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, which hunt in parks and nest on buildings, flourishing in human environments. Minneapolis’s skyline and parks such as Minnehaha provide nesting ledges and prey such as pigeons. Cooper’s Hawks prey on feeder birds in backyards, while Red-tailed Hawks fly over green spaces, learning to live with noise and activity. Their urban success testifies to their durability
Farmlands:
Agricultural lands harbor Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks during winter, with open fields full of rodents and best suited for hovering hunts. Agricultural lands in southern Minnesota, around Rochester, are optimal hunting grounds. Rough-legged Hawks hover consistently, descending to catch voles, whereas Ferruginous Hawks, less common, pursue larger prey such as rabbits. These hawks decrease crop-damaging insects
Wooded Rivers:
Wooded rivers, like the Mississippi River Valley, nurture Red-shouldered Hawks, offering prey and tall hardwoods for nesting. These areas, rich with frogs and snakes, support their varied diet. Red-shouldered Hawks perch low along riverbanks, their loud calls echoing through forests.
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Migration and Hawk Ridge – A Spectacular Hawk Event:
Each fall, Minnesota becomes a migration hotspot. Broad-winged Hawks form kettles, spiraling in thousands at Hawk Ridge in Duluth. Over 90,000 raptors, including Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks, pass through from August to November.
Lake Superior’s updrafts funnel hawks, creating ideal viewing. Hawk Ridge’s data aids conservation and tracking trends. Other sites, like the Mississippi River Valley, also draw migrants. Mid-September offers peak Broad-winged Hawk sightings, thrilling visitors.
“To watch a hawk in flight is to witness the poetry of the wild.” – Aldo Leopold
Conservation Efforts for Hawks – Protecting Minnesota’s Raptors:
Hawk protection is imperative. Suburban encroachment destroys habitats. Hawks are poisoned through contaminated prey. Global warming interferes with migration. The Minnesota DNR and Hawk Ridge Observatory work on solutions. Habitat restoration creates new habitats. Public education informs people. Citizen science monitors numbers. Conservation support and not using damaging chemicals assist. Native-flower yards that welcome prey benefit urban hawks.
Hawks are enjoyed with caution. Go to places like Hawk Ridge, where trails limit disturbance. Use binoculars to watch from a distance. Be quiet around nests. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times, as hawks hunt during these hours. Fall migration provides huge flocks, winter brings residents. Guided tours share expert knowledge. Nests left undisturbed avoid stress so that hawks can enjoy better lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the most common hawk in Minnesota?
The Red-tailed Hawk is Minnesota’s most common hawk. With over 10,000 breeding pairs, it thrives in open fields, urban areas, and forest edges. Its rusty-red tail and adaptability make it a frequent sight year-round, from rural prairies to Minneapolis rooftops.
What does it mean when a hawk hangs around your yard?
A hawk in your yard likely signals abundant prey, like small birds or rodents. Cooper’s Hawks often linger near feeders, hunting songbirds. It’s a natural behavior, not a spiritual sign, though Native American cultures view hawks as symbols of vision. Observe from a distance to avoid stress.
What is the difference between a Cooper’s Hawk and a Broad-winged Hawk?
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized, with short wings and long tails, built for agile forest hunting. They eat birds and stay year-round or migrate short distances. Broad-winged Hawks are smaller, with broad wings, suited for soaring. They eat insects and mammals, migrating 4,000 miles to South America.
What to do if a hawk is in your yard?
Observe quietly from afar using binoculars to avoid startling it. Don’t approach nests or try to feed the hawk, as this disrupts natural behavior. If it’s hunting at feeders, pause feeding for a few days. If injured, contact a local wildlife rehab center like the Minnesota DNR.
Where can I see hawks in Minnesota during migration?
Hawk Ridge in Duluth is the top spot, recording 90,000 raptors each fall, especially Broad-winged Hawks in mid-September. The Mississippi River Valley and Whitefish Point also offer prime viewing. Visit early morning for peak activity and join guided tours for expert tips.
Are hawks in Minnesota endangered?
No hawk species in Minnesota is currently endangered. All 11 species, including Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks, are listed as Least Concern. However, habitat loss and pesticides threaten populations, making conservation efforts by groups like Hawk Ridge Observatory critical to their future.
Conclusion:
Minnesota’s 11 hawk species embody nature’s strength, adaptability, and timeless beauty. From the Red-tailed Hawk’s commanding urban nests to the Broad-winged Hawk’s awe-inspiring migratory kettles, these raptors weave a vibrant thread through the state’s diverse landscapes. Their presence not only balances ecosystems by controlling pests but also carries cultural weight.
Learning about their habitats, habits, and challenges intensifies our connection to the wild, prompting us to preserve their future. Grab binoculars, head to Hawk Ridge during fall migration, or sit in your backyard to see the soaring spectacle of Minnesota’s hawks.
Join local conservation efforts, support groups like the Minnesota DNR, or create hawk-friendly yards with native plants to ensure these majestic birds thrive for generations. Every glimpse of a hawk in flight is a reminder of nature’s enduring power—don’t miss your chance to experience it.