Colorado is home to a variety of hawks that make their homes in the diverse habitats found across the state. Raptors like hawks play an important role in the state’s ecosystems by helping control populations of small mammals and other prey species. Some hawk species are year-round residents, while others migrate through or winter in Colorado.
Overview of hawks in Colorado
There are 15 species of hawks that can be found in Colorado. The most common resident hawks include the red-tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, ferruginous hawk, and northern harrier. Migrating species like the sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, broad-winged hawk, and red-shouldered hawk can be found seasonally across the state. Merlin, prairie falcon, American kestrel, and northern goshawk are less numerous but also make Colorado their home for all or part of the year.
The habitats hawks occupy are as varied as the hawks themselves. Red-tailed hawks and Swainson’s hawks frequent open grasslands, shrublands, and agricultural areas. Northern goshawks and Cooper’s hawks thrive in forested mountains and riparian areas. Ferruginous hawks, northern harriers, and merlins rely on the sparse vegetation of the high plains and deserts. All environments in Colorado have a resident or migrant hawk suited to hunt in the conditions.
Below is more detailed information on each of the hawk species known to occur in Colorado.
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most widespread and commonly seen raptors in North America. In Colorado, these large buteos are year-round residents across the state. They are often seen soaring over open habitats like grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and agricultural areas in search of prey.
Red-tailed hawks have distinctive reddish-brown tail feathers when mature that give them their name. They have a varied diet consisting mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They will also prey on birds, snakes, and large insects. These hawks hunt both from perches and while soaring and gliding through the air.
Nesting activity starts in March through late April. Red-tailed hawks build bulky stick nests in the tops of trees, on cliff ledges, or on man-made structures. The female lays between 1-3 eggs that incubate for 28-35 days. After hatching, the young fledge the nest after about 6 weeks.
Key Facts
- Length: 19-25 in
- Wingspan: 48-56 in
- Weight: 2-4 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Open country with perches
Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s hawk is a long-distance migratory buteo found in open habitats across much of western North America. In Colorado, it is a summer resident and breeder, typically arriving in April and departing in September to wintering grounds in South America.
These large hawks can be identified by their long, pointed wings and dark flight feathers contrasting with lighter wing linings. Swainson’s hawks prey primarily on small mammals, birds, and insects, which they capture after patiently hunting from low flight over grasslands and agricultural areas.
Nesting occurs late April through July, with nest sites in lone trees, shrubs, utility poles, or other elevated platforms. Swainson’s hawks often nest in loose colonies. The female lays 1-4 eggs, which she incubates for around 33 days. The young fledge the nest after 42-46 days.
Key Facts
- Length: 18-22 in
- Wingspan: 54-58 in
- Weight: 2-3 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 17 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects
- Range: Western North America
- Habitat: Grasslands, shrublands, agriculture
Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk species that resides year-round in Colorado. They can be found on the open grasslands and semi-arid shrublands of the eastern plains and western slope regions of the state.
These massive hawks get their name from their reddish-brown back and shoulders. Ferruginous hawks hunt primarily by soaring low over the ground, using their acute vision to spot prey like rabbits, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs. They will also opportunistically eat birds, reptiles, and large insects.
Breeding occurs from March to June, with peak activity in April and May. Bulky nests are built on rock outcrops, small cliffs, and sometimes in trees. The female lays 2-4 eggs that are incubated for 32-34 days. Young fledge after about 6 weeks in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 22-27 in
- Wingspan: 56-60 in
- Weight: 3-5 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years in wild
- Diet: Rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, small mammals
- Range: Western North America
- Habitat: Grasslands, semi-arid shrublands, badlands
Northern Harrier
The northern harrier is a distinctive, long-winged hawk of open country. In Colorado, it can be found year-round hunting over grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields across the state.
These slender hawks fly with their wings held in a shallow V-shape. Males are pale gray, while females are larger and mostly brown. Northern harriers glide low over open terrain while listening and watching for voles, mice, small birds, and other prey.
Nesting season lasts from April to July, with nests placed on the ground concealed in vegetation. Females lay 3-6 eggs and incubate them for around 32 days. Young harriers fledge the nest after about 35 days.
Key Facts
- Length: 18-24 in
- Wingspan: 40-46 in
- Weight: 1.5-2 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 18 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, small birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Open plains, grasslands, marshes
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is a small, forest-dwelling accipiter. In Colorado, they are primarily a winter visitor and migrant, but some may reside in the state year-round in mountain forests.
These little hawks have short, rounded wings and a long rudder-like tail that give them great agility in dense woods. Their prey consists mostly of small birds captured in high-speed aerial pursuits. Sharp-shins also frequent backyards and bird feeders in winter.
Nesting is limited but occurs March through May, with nests in conifers or hardwoods. Females lay 3-8 eggs and incubate them for 30-36 days. The young fledge after 25-27 days in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 9-13 in
- Wingspan: 21-27 in
- Weight: 4-8 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild
- Diet: Small birds, mammals
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Mature conifer and mixed forests
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawks are larger forest-dwelling accipiters found year-round in Colorado. Though widespread, they are generally not numerous across their range.
These woodland hawks are adept at navigating dense cover in pursuit of bird prey like woodpeckers, jays, quail, and doves. Cooper’s hawks are a common predator of backyard bird feeders where they ambush unsuspecting birds.
Nest building occurs in March and April with nests placed high in pines, oaks, or other trees. Females lay 3-6 eggs and incubate them for 30-36 days. Young fledge after about a month in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 15-20 in
- Wingspan: 28-35 in
- Weight: 1-2 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 17 years in wild
- Diet: Birds, small mammals
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Forests, woodlots
Broad-winged Hawk
The broad-winged hawk is a small, forest-dwelling buteo found seasonally in Colorado. They breed in the state before migrating in large flocks known as kettles to wintering grounds in South America.
These short, broad-winged hawks inhabit deciduous and mixed forests. They hunt prey like frogs, snakes, mice, chipmunks, and insects by patiently perching in trees and swooping down to capture them on the ground.
Breeding occurs May through July, with nests high up in hardwood or conifer trees. Females lay 1-4 eggs and incubate them for 28-32 days. The young fledge after about 5 weeks in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 13-17 in
- Wingspan: 31-39 in
- Weight: 14-17 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests
Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized, broad-winged buteo found as a year-round resident in some parts of Colorado. They favor wetland habitats like rivers, swamps, and flooded forests.
These handsome hawks have reddish-brown shoulders and wing linings checkered with black and white bars. Red-shouldered hawks hunt from perches, preying on reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and large insects.
Nesting season lasts from March to mid-May, with large stick nests placed high in trees near water. Females lay 3-4 eggs and incubate them for 28-33 days. Young fledge after about 6 weeks in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 16-18 in
- Wingspan: 37-42 in
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects
- Range: Eastern and western North America
- Habitat: Wetland forests, river bottoms
Merlin
The merlin is a small, bold falcon that resides in Colorado year-round. They can be found in open areas throughout the state but are more numerous on the eastern plains and western slope.
These compact falcons have pointed wings and swift, powerful flight. Merlins hunt by flying fast and low, feeding on small birds like sparrows, finches, and starlings. They also eat insects, bats, and rodents.
Breeding happens from late March to May, with nests in abandoned corvid stick nests, cavities, or crevices on rock faces or buildings. Females lay 3-6 eggs and incubate them for 28-32 days. Young fledge after about a month.
Key Facts
- Length: 9-12 in
- Wingspan: 20-24 in
- Weight: 5-7 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 17 years in wild
- Diet: Small birds, mammals, insects
- Range: Across North America
- Habitat: Open country, grasslands, coasts
American Kestrel
The American kestrel is North America’s smallest and most abundant falcon. In Colorado, kestrels are year-round residents commonly seen perched along roads and open habitats throughout the state.
Male kestrels are colorful with blue-gray wings and rusty spotted undersides. Females are larger and plain brown with barring. Kestrels feed mostly on insects and small rodents, which they spy from elevated perches and snatch from the ground.
Breeding occurs from late March to June, with nest cavities in trees, buildings, or nest boxes. Females lay 3-7 eggs and incubate them for 26-32 days. The young fledge after about a month in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 9-12 in
- Wingspan: 20-24 in
- Weight: 3-6 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 14 years in wild
- Diet: Insects, small mammals, reptiles
- Range: Across Americas
- Habitat: Open country, grasslands, deserts
Prairie Falcon
The prairie falcon is a powerful western falcon well-adapted to arid landscapes. In Colorado, they are year-round residents that favor grasslands, plains, badlands, and desert areas.
These large falcons have dark brown upperparts with light underparts and facial streaking. Prairie falcons reach high speeds in pursuit of prey like ground squirrels, jackrabbits, small rodents, and shorebirds. They nest on sheltered cliff ledges or crevices.
Breeding happens February through July, with a clutch size of 4-5 eggs. Incubation lasts about a month. The young will fledge after 4-5 weeks but remain dependent on the parents for some time after.
Key Facts
- Length: 15-18 in
- Wingspan: 37-43 in
- Weight: 1.5-2.25 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years in wild
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Range: Western North America
- Habitat: Plains, grasslands, badlands, deserts
Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk is a fierce, powerful accipiter and the largest forest-dwelling hawk in Colorado. They are year-round but uncommon residents in coniferous forests across the state.
These formidable hawks have bold white eye lines and dark gray upperparts. Northern goshawks surprise prey from concealed perches within forests, speeding through dense thickets in pursuit of birds and small mammals.
Nesting occurs March through July, with large stick nests built high in trees. Females lay 2-4 eggs that incubate for 30-32 days. Young fledge after 34-41 days in the nest.
Key Facts
- Length: 20-26 in
- Wingspan: 40-46 in
- Weight: 2-4 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years in wild
- Diet: Birds, small mammals
- Range: Northern forests across North America
- Habitat: Mature coniferous forests
When and Where to See Hawks in Colorado
The best opportunities to view hawks depend on the preferred habitats, migratory patterns, and breeding cycles of each species. Here is a summary of ideal times and places to spot the major hawks of Colorado:
Species | Where to See | Best Time to See |
---|---|---|
Red-tailed Hawk | Open plains, grasslands, agricultural areas statewide | Year-round resident |
Swainson’s Hawk | Eastern plains grasslands May-September | Summer resident |
Ferruginous Hawk | Plains and western slope year-round | Year-round resident |
Northern Harrier | Grasslands, marshes statewide | Year-round resident |
Sharp-shinned Hawk | Western slope forests and mixed woodlands in winter | Winter visitor |
Cooper’s Hawk | Forests and woodlots statewide year-round | Year-round resident |
Broad-winged Hawk | Eastern plains cottonwoods and mixed forests May-July | Summer resident |
Red-shouldered Hawk | River bottomlands, marshes in western Colorado | Year-round resident |
Merlin | Grasslands, open areas statewide | Year-round resident |
American Kestrel | Widespread in open country statewide | Year-round resident |
Prairie Falcon | Plains, grasslands, deserts statewide | Year-round resident |
Northern Goshawk | Coniferous forests statewide | Year-round resident |
The best times to see hawks are during the breeding season when aerial displays and nesting activity are at their peak. Spring migration from March to May brings sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and broad-winged hawks to the state. Raptor migration sites like Greeley and the Front Range are excellent spots for viewing concentrations of hawks and eagles during this season.
Threats to Colorado’s Hawks
While populations of most hawk species appear stable, a variety of threats and conservation issues impact raptors in Colorado and across North America:
- Habitat loss – Development, urbanization, and agriculture reduce and degrade natural hawk habitats.
- Climate change – Could affect hawk prey abundance and distribution over time.
- Disturbance – Hawks are sensitive to human activity near nest sites.
- Pollution – Pesticides, lead ammunition, and other contaminants can accumulate in hawk tissues and the environment.
- Illegal shooting – Some hawks are illegally shot despite federal protections.
Various conservation initiatives aim to monitor and protect raptor populations in Colorado. These include habitat management programs, nest watch surveys, restrictions on hazardous chemicals, and public education campaigns. Maintaining the diverse natural habitats hawks rely on is key to their continued success across the state.
Conclusion
The variety of hawk species found in Colorado occupy virtually every type of habitat across the state. The migrations, breeding cycles, and behaviors of these remarkable raptors provide ample opportunity for birders, nature enthusiasts, and photographers to observe them throughout the year. Protecting habitats and minimizing disturbances will help maintain healthy hawk populations in Colorado long into the future.