Hawks in Colorado: Species Guide & Gifts
A complete guide to hawks in Colorado. Learn about the most common species like Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks, find the best spots for birding, and shop for hawk-themed gifts.
The Short Answer: Colorado is home to over a dozen hawk species, including the year-round Red-tailed Hawk and the migratory Swainson's Hawk. The best areas to see them are the Pawnee National Grassland, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the plains east of Denver. Check out our hawk gifts for apparel and stickers perfect for any bird fan.
What Hawks Live in Colorado Year-Round?
Only a few hawk species are permanent residents of Colorado. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common and recognizable. You can see them perched on telephone poles along I-25 from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. I can trace my own love for birding back to spotting a massive Red-tail on a fence post near Horsetooth Reservoir in 2018.
The other year-round resident is the Cooper's Hawk. These birds are smaller, with long tails and rounded wings. They are expert ambush predators that often visit backyard bird feeders looking for an easy meal.
Which Hawks Migrate Through Colorado?
Colorado lies in the Central Flyway, a major migratory route. Swainson's Hawks arrive in April and leave by September to winter in Argentina. The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest buteo in North America, is a winter visitor on the eastern plains. We also see the Rough-legged Hawk, which breeds in the Arctic and visits Colorado only during the cold months.
Spring is your best bet for the most variety. If you want to see multiple species in one day, the Pawnee Buttes trail is a reliable spot.
Where Are the Best Places to See Hawks in Colorado?
The Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County is the top spot for raptor viewing. Swainson's and Ferruginous Hawks nest here in large numbers. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver is another excellent location. I took a trip there last fall and counted ten Red-tails in under two hours.
For a more serious birding expedition, bring binoculars and a field guide from our birding supplies collection. The high mountain meadows near Crested Butte also host nesting Northern Goshawks and Broad-winged Hawks during the summer.
How Do You Identify a Red-tailed Hawk in Colorado?
The Red-tailed Hawk has a dark belly band and, in adults, a brick-red tail. Juveniles have a brown tail with barring. You will often hear their call before you see it because Hollywood uses it for every eagle in movies. Look for them sitting on power poles with their back to the wind. The best way to get a close look is through a pair of good binoculars, but a decent shirt or sticker can help you show off to other birders too.
The Best Colorado-Inspired Hawk Gifts
If you are looking for shirts, stickers, or gifts for a Colorado bird lover, here is our quality list.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
This shirt shows the falcon in a bold, old-school style silhouette. The cotton is a standard medium weight, good for a spring day in the Rockies. We like the retro font used for the text. It is a solid pick for falconers or anyone who watches peregrines hunt over the Front Range.
Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
This design is unique. It mixes mysticism with natural history. The hawk is depicted in a tarot card style, which works well as a conversation starter. My mom loves the esoteric vibe, so I bought her one for her birthday. The fit is true to size.
Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
This shirt feels like what you would find in a dusty national park gift shop from the 1980s. The print is a classic line-art style hawk soaring over a mountain range. It works as a casual gift for the birder in your life or for wearing on a hike.
Check Price and Availability
Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey T-Shirt
This is a colorful, detailed portrait of a peregrine. The artwork shows the mustache marking on the falcon's face very clearly. It is best for someone who wants a more realistic graphic. The colors are vibrant and hold up after multiple washes.
Check Price and Availability
Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic T-Shirt
This design uses a hand-drawn look with heavy linework. It feels artistic and raw. The screenprint is a single color on a solid background, which keeps the cost down. It is a good budget option if you just need a simple hawk shirt to wear around the campsite.
Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set
This set comes with five different hawk designs. You get a kestrel, a buteo, and a few other raptors. The stickers are a nice size for water bottles or the back of a laptop. At this price, it is an easy add-on to a gift purchase.
Check Price and Availability
Hawkward Awkward Hawk Pun T-Shirt
This shirt is for the person who loves a good pun. The graphic shows a hawk looking slightly confused. It is a fun and lighthearted option for birding festivals or just a trip to the grocery store. The cotton is soft and preshrunk.
Check Price and Availability
Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt
This boho-style tee uses a watercolor effect to create a softer animal portrait. It is a great choice for women or anyone who wants a more subtle wildlife shirt. The fit is slightly looser, which makes it comfortable for a day out at an outdoor market.
Check Price and Availability
Red-tailed Hawk Sticker (Water-Resistant)
This is a small but detailed sticker of the most common Colorado hawk. It is water-resistant, so it will hold up on a bumper or a Yeti cup. If you only want one specific species, this is the one to buy.
Check Price and Availability
Falconer Graphic T-Shirt
This shirt is aimed directly at falconers. It shows a gloved arm with a bird perched on it. The print is straightforward, no text, just the image. It is one of the cheapest options on this list and works as a basic wardrobe staple for the field.
Check Price and Availability
Raptor Sticker Sheets (6 Different Birds)
This sheet includes six round, waterproof stickers featuring different raptors. You get a hawk, an eagle, a falcon, and others. They are realistic and sourced from proper wildlife art. I put one on my truck toolbox and it has survived two Colorado winters.
Check Price and Availability
Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet
This sheet covers the whole family: eagle, falcon, hawk, osprey, and kestrel. It is perfect for a kid who is learning to identify raptors. The stickers are colorful and easy to peel.
Check Price and Availability
Proud Californian Red Tail Hawk Lover T-Shirt
The title says California, but the Red-tailed Hawk is the same across state lines. The design uses a plain font and a simple hawk silhouette. It is a good entry-level shirt for the price. Wear it while birding in Colorado and start a conversation about migration ranges.
Check Price and Availability
All Types of Animals F&L Design Co. Hawks North America T-Shirt
This shirt displays multiple hawk species common to North America, including the Gray Hawk and the Roadside Hawk. It is educational and looks great. The shirt uses OEKO-TEX certified materials, so the fabric quality is guaranteed.
Check Price and Availability
Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Falconry T-Shirt
This watercolor design is soft and artistic. It shows a red-tailed hawk in flight with beautiful gradient colors. It looks great on light-colored fabric. Birders will want this one for its aesthetic appeal.
Check Price and Availability
Comparison Table of Colorado Hawk Gifts
| Product | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee | T-Shirt | $19.95 | Falconers, retro style fans |
| Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt | T-Shirt | $22.73 | Unique, mystical designs |
| Vintage Hawk Retro T-Shirt | T-Shirt | $19.26 | Vintage collectors |
| Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey Tee | T-Shirt | $21.22 | Realistic bird art |
| Hawk Screenprint Bird Graphic Tee | T-Shirt | $22.65 | Budget, simple designs |
| 5X Hawk Sticker Set | Sticker Set | $13.19 | Bulk gifting |
| Hawkward Awkward Pun T-Shirt | T-Shirt | $24.99 | Humor gifts |
| Artistic Hawk Graphic T-Shirt | T-Shirt | $19.49 | Boho style, women |
| Red-tailed Hawk Sticker | Single Sticker | $2.75 | Water bottles, laptops |
| Falconer Graphic T-Shirt | T-Shirt | $14.63 | Actual falconers |
| Raptor Sticker Sheet (6 birds) | Sticker Sheet | $4.25 | Kids, learning |
| Birds of Prey Sticker Sheet | Sticker Sheet | $3.50 | Collector sheets |
| Proud Californian Red Tail Tee | T-Shirt | $14.99 | Simple, cheap gear |
| All Types of Animals Tee | T-Shirt | $19.99 | Educational, OEKO-TEX |
| Watercolor Red Tailed Hawk Tee | T-Shirt | $17.99 | Art lovers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common hawk in Colorado?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk species in Colorado. You can find them in every county, from the plains to the foothills.
Are there peregrine falcons in Colorado?
Yes. Peregrine falcons are found in Colorado, especially in the mountains and along the Front Range. They nest on cliffs and are often seen at Rocky Mountain National Park and the Royal Gorge.
How do I tell a hawk from a falcon in Colorado?
Hawks have broad, rounded wings and a stocky body. Falcons have slim, pointed wings and a sleek body. The simplest clue is the wing shape in flight.
Where can I find hawk watching spots in Colorado?
Top spots include Pawnee National Grassland, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, and the San Luis Valley. Check local Audubon chapter websites for guided hawk walks.
What is the best time of year to see hawks in Colorado?
Spring migration from March to May offers the highest variety. Fall migration from August to October is also good. Winter is best for seeing Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks on the plains.
What is the difference between a buteo and an accipiter hawk in Colorado?
Buteos (like the Red-tailed Hawk) have wide wings and short tails for soaring. Accipiters (like the Cooper's Hawk) have longer tails and shorter, rounded wings for flying through trees.
For more information on other birds in the region, check out our guide to birds in Colorado. If you are looking for a specific species, our Red-tailed Hawk collection is a great starting point.