Hawks in North Dakota: Where to see them and how to identify them

The Missouri River corridor and its breaks are prime hawk territory. I've had my best luck along the Little Missouri National Grassland and the Turtle Mountains. Open grasslands near Killdeer and the Sheyenne National Grassland also hold good populations. Ferruginous Hawks prefer the shortgrass prairies in the southwest, while Red-tailed Hawks are common statewide.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) migrations bring the highest numbers, especially along the Missouri River. On a calm morning in April, I've seen dozens of Red-tails and Swainson's moving north. For daily activity, early morning and late afternoon are best when hawks hunt actively. Midday heat often pushes them to soaring high up or perching in shade.

Start with the belly and wing pattern. Red-tailed Hawks have a dark belly band and a rusty tail (adults). Swainson's Hawks show a dark bib and white belly, and in flight, their white underwing linings contrast with dark flight feathers. Ferruginous Hawks are larger with a white belly and dark legs forming a V shape. Rough-legged Hawks have a dark belly and wrist patches. Check our hawk identification guide for more details.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread, but Swainson's and Ferruginous Hawks are also common in appropriate habitats. Rough-legged Hawks visit in winter from the Arctic. I regularly see all four during a day of driving through the Grasslands in fall. The Broad-winged Hawk is less common but passes through during migration.

The Missouri River overlooks near the Garrison Dam area offer excellent views. The Turtle Mountain Plateau has forest edges where hawks perch. For a broader search, use our travel tool to find top spots near you.