Hawks in Missouri: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

Hawks in Missouri are most often seen in the western and southern parts of the state, especially the Ozark Plateau and along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Open farmland, grasslands, and forest edges provide prime hunting. Conservation areas like the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge are reliable spots. For a broader look at Missouri wildlife, see our Missouri wildlife guide.

Hawks are active year-round in Missouri, but the best viewing is during fall migration (September to November) when numbers peak along the Missouri River bluffs. Daily activity is highest in the morning (8-11 AM) and late afternoon (3-5 PM) when thermals rise. Winter can be good for seeing Rough-legged Hawks that migrate down from the north.

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common: look for a brick-red tail on adults, dark belly band, and pale chest. Red-shouldered Hawks have a banded black-and-white tail and reddish shoulders. For soaring birds, note the tail shape: Red-tails have a rounded fan, while Broad-winged Hawks have a shorter, squared tail. Compared to Bald Eagles (which are larger), hawks have fully feathered legs. For more detailed identification tips, check our hawk identification guide.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Breeding hawks include Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Broad-winged, and Cooper's Hawks. Swainson's Hawks pass through in spring but rarely stay. Look for nests in tall trees along rivers. Broad-winged Hawks are secretive but can be heard calling in deep woods. For field notes on other birds of prey, see our bald eagle page.

The Mississippi River flyway is a major route. Hawk Ridge in St. Louis County and the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near West Alton are excellent. The Ozark foothills also concentrate migrants. Many hawk watches operate in the fall. For planning your trip, use this travel tool to find nearby birding sites: