The first time I have ever seen hawks in Wisconsin. It was flying high over a peaceful field. Then, it dived down and seized its prey with unbelievable speed. Seeing these wonderful birds in action is an experience that will never be forgotten!
Wisconsin is blessed with 10 species of hawks with different appearances and hunting abilities. Stay tuned! We’re soon going to take you through the hawks in Wisconsin, their habits and locations to spot them. Whether a bird enthusiast or someone who’d simply like to know more so you don’t miss out on it, we’ve got this!
Key Takeaways:
- Diversity: Wisconsin hosts 10 hawk species, each with unique traits.
- Most Common: Red-Tailed Hawk – Easily spotted with a rust-colored tail.
- Agile Hunters: Cooper’s Hawk – Swift predator in wooded areas. And Sharp-Shinned Hawk – Small, stealthy songbird hunter.
- Seasonal Visitors: Rough-Legged Hawk – Arctic visitor in winter and Broad-Winged Hawk – Migrates in large flocks (kettles).
- Hawks vs. Falcons: Hawks have broad wings & strong talons, while falcons are faster with sharp beaks.
- Ecological Role: Help control rodent and bird populations.
- Photography Tip: Use a zoom lens and be patient.
- Hawks in Your Yard: Sign of a healthy ecosystem but may target small pets.
- Juveniles: Young Cooper’s Hawks have streaked chests & yellow eyes.
- Birdwatching: A rewarding experience revealing hawks’ behavior and importance.
The Beauty of Hawks – Exploring Wisconsin’s Paradise!
Hawks are a key component of Wisconsin’s ecosystem as effective predators that keep the population of small mammals and birds in check. With their stunning vision, acute talons, and strong flight, these birds are both interesting to watch.
Several species of hawks call Wisconsin home, each occupying different habitats, from dense forests to open fields. Some species reside in the state year-round, while others migrate seasonally.
20 Types of Hawks in Wisconsin!
Wisconsin is home to ten distinct hawk species, each with unique characteristics. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing their key features.
Comprehensive Table of Hawks in Wisconsin:
| Hawk Species | Size (inches) | Wingspan (inches) | Habitat | Diet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | 18-26 | 43-56 | Open fields | Rodents, birds |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 14-20 | 24-39 | Woodlands | Small birds |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | 9-13 | 16-22 | Dense forests | Songbirds |
| Northern Goshawk | 20-26 | 40-46 | Northern forests | Squirrels, rabbits |
| Rough-Legged Hawk | 18-24 | 52-54 | Open fields | Rodents, rabbits |
| Broad-Winged Hawk | 13-17 | 32-39 | Deciduous forests | Insects, small mammals |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 18-22 | 46-54 | Grasslands | Rodents, insects |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 22-27 | 53-60 | Open prairies | Small mammals |
| Northern Harrier | 18-20 | 40-48 | Marshlands | Small mammals, birds |
| Short-Tailed Hawk | 15-17 | 32-40 | Forest edges | Small birds, insects |
Red-tailed Hawk Wisconsin – The Most Common Hawk in Wisconsin!
The most widespread hawk in Wisconsin, the Red-Tailed Hawk, is recognized by its vivid rust-colored tail and wide wings. It prefers the open fields and highways and can often be found perched on trees or poles scanning the ground for food. Its hunting style is flexible.
When it senses prey, it flies high in the air before performing a swift dive to catch its prey with precision. Its vision is remarkable, and it can spot small prey from a distance of more than 100 feet.
Cooper’s Hawk – The Agile Predator!
The Cooper’s Hawk is a fast and agile hunter, known for its quick movements through densely wooded areas. This hawk is medium-sized and primarily preys on smaller birds, often ambushing them near backyard feeders. It prefers forests and suburban areas where songbirds are abundant.
Unlike other hawks that soar high, the Cooper’s Hawk relies on speed and maneuverability, weaving skillfully through trees during pursuit. Its sharp talons enable it to capture prey with incredible precision.
Read More About: Top 10 Mythical Birds and Creatures!
Sharp-Shinned Hawk – The Stealthy Hunter!
Of Wisconsin’s hawks, the Sharp-Shinned Hawk is the smallest but one of the most ferocious. It’s frequently confused with the Cooper’s Hawk, but it has a shorter wing span and more rounded body. The hawk is an expert at sneak attacks, relying on trees and dense cover to conceal itself before making swift and unexpected attacks on songbirds.
It mostly preys on small birds, pursuing them through thick forests. Unlike big hawks, it is designed for speed and surprise, swooping down rapidly and catching prey before they even notice the threat. Its slender legs and sharp talons enable it to catch and hold onto struggling birds.
Northern Goshawk – The Fearless Forest Predator!
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful and aggressive predator found in Wisconsin’s northern forests. This large hawk is a fearless hunter, capable of taking down birds, squirrels, and even rabbits. It has dark gray plumage with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe making it easy to identify.
Unlike hawks that rely on soaring flight the Northern Goshawk specializes in ambush hunting. It is known for its intense territorial behavior and will aggressively defend its nest from intruders.
Rough-Legged Hawk – Wisconsin’s Winter Visitor!
An Arctic winter visitor, the Rough-Legged Hawk comes to Wisconsin when it’s cold. A unique characteristic that distinguishes this hawk from all others is feathered legs. This is useful in cold temperatures, keeping its legs warm. It’s regularly found in fields and marshy areas, flying in place, scanning for tiny mammals.
This hawk’s extraordinary hunting style includes hovering in mid-air before making a quick plunge onto prey. Its wingspan of as much as 54 inches makes it a magnificent creature flying through Wisconsin’s winter skies.
Broad-Winged Hawk – The Master Migrator!
The Broad-Winged Hawk is best known for its spectacular migration. Every fall, thousands of these hawks gather in groups called kettles, forming breathtaking spirals in the sky as they travel south. Unlike other hawks that prefer open spaces, the Broad-Winged Hawk thrives in deciduous forests.
It primarily feeds on small mammals, insects, and amphibians. Its high-pitched whistle call is a key identifier when birdwatching in Wisconsin’s wooded areas.
Swainson’s Hawk – The Long-Distance Traveler!
A rare visitor to Wisconsin, the Swainson’s Hawk prefers grasslands and open prairies. This hawk is famous for its incredible long-distance migration, traveling from North America to South America each year, covering thousands of miles.
Unlike many other hawks that primarily hunt mammals, the Swainson’s Hawk has a diet that includes a large number of insects, especially grasshoppers. It typically perches on fence posts or telephone poles.
Ferruginous Hawk – Wisconsin’s Largest Hawk!
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in Wisconsin, with a wingspan reaching up to 60 inches. It prefers open landscapes like prairies and fields where it can easily spot prey.
This hawk has pale body feathers with rust-colored wings. Unlike other hawks that primarily hunt from the sky, the Ferruginous Hawk also hunts on the ground, using its sharp talons to capture small mammals such as rabbits and prairie dogs.
Northern Harrier – The Low-Flying Hunter!
The Northern Harrier is a unique hawk species in Wisconsin, known for its low-flying hunting style. Unlike other hawks that soar high in the sky the Northern Harrier glides just above the ground.
It is often found in wetlands and marshlands, making it one of the few hawks that rely heavily on both sharp vision and excellent hearing. It has a distinctive owl-like facial disk, which helps direct sound to its ears.
Short-Tailed Hawk – The Falcon-Like Raptor!
The Short-Tailed Hawk is an uncommon species in Wisconsin, often mistaken for a falcon due to its small size and flight behavior. It is typically found near forest edges, where it hunts small birds and insects.
Unlike other hawks that rely on soaring and perching, the Short-Tailed Hawk specializes in mid-air hunting. It has dark wings and a short tail.
Read More About: Discover The World Of Hummingbirds In Michigan In 2025!
Hawks in Wisconsin Pictures – Where to Capture Stunning Shots?
For those looking to photograph hawks in Wisconsin, some of the best locations include:
📍 Horicon Marsh – A prime location for Red-Tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers.
📍 Devil’s Lake State Park – Great for spotting soaring hawks.
📍 Kettle Moraine State Forest – Ideal for viewing hawks during migration.
With the right camera lens and patience, you can capture breathtaking images of hawks of Wisconsin in flight!
Difference Between Hawks and Falcons in Wisconsin!
Many people confuse hawks and falcons, but they have distinct characteristics. While both are birds of prey, their wings, hunting techniques, and flight speeds set them apart.
Hawks vs. Falcons – Key Differences!
| Feature | Hawks | Falcons |
| Wings | Broad, rounded | Long, pointed |
| Flight Speed | Moderate, gliding | Extremely fast, diving |
| Prey Capture | Uses talons to grab and kill prey | Uses beak to break prey’s neck |
| Hunting Style | Soars and circles before striking | Rapid chases and high-speed dives |
| Common Species | Red-Tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk | Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel |
Hawks vs. Falcons – Which One Is Easier to Spot?
- Hawks are more common in woodlands, fields, and suburban areas.
- Falcons prefer cliff edges, open plains, and city skyscrapers.
If you see a bird gliding in circles, it’s likely a hawk. If it’s darting at high speeds, you’ve probably spotted a falcon!
FAQs:
What is the most common hawk in Wisconsin?
The Red-Tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in Wisconsin. It is often seen soaring over fields or perched on roadside trees. This hawk has a rust-colored tail and a loud, piercing call.
Is it good to have a hawk in your yard?
Yes, hawks help control rodent and pest populations. They keep the ecosystem balanced. If you have small pets or backyard birds, keep an eye on them to stay safe.
What does it mean when a hawk hangs around your yard?
A hawk in your yard means there is plenty of food nearby. It may be hunting small birds, rodents, or insects. Sometimes, hawks also use yards as resting spots.
What does a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk look like?
Young Cooper’s Hawks have brown streaked chests and yellow eyes. Their tails are long with dark bands. As they grow, their chest turns reddish and their eyes darken to red.
Conclusion:
Hawks in Wisconsin are important for keeping nature balanced. They help control small animal populations. Each species has unique traits that make them fascinating to watch.
The Red-Tailed Hawk is the most common. Others, like the Northern Harrier and Cooper’s Hawk, are also found in different habitats. Learning about their flight, hunting style, and calls makes spotting them easier.
If you see a hawk in your yard, it means food is available. They are great for pest control. Watching them in the wild is an amazing experience.
Next time you see one soaring, take a moment to admire it. These birds are powerful and play a key role in nature. Keep exploring and enjoy watching Wisconsin’s hawks!