Hawks in Colorado: where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, hawks are common across Colorado, especially on the eastern plains, the Front Range foothills, and open valleys. Colorado hosts year-round residents like Red-tailed Hawks and seasonal visitors such as Swainson's Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks. Start your search in grassland areas or along fence lines at dawn or dusk. The best odds are for Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson's Hawks in summer, and Ferruginous Hawks in the shortgrass prairie. Hawks are legally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making Colorado an important refuge for these birds of prey.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Goshawk · psweet CC BY-SA
Red-tailed Hawk · Public domain CC0
Red-tailed Hawk · jakeschneider00 CC BY-SA
- 8
- species recorded
- 1,234,649
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, January
- peak months
What hawk sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Swallow-tailed Kite · flight call
0:05River Lakes Conservation Area near Viera, Brevard Co, Florida · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC169364
Northern Harrier · call
0:05Whitewater Draw WA, near McNeal, Cochise Co, Arizona · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC164241
Cooper's Hawk · alarm call
0:06Cape Coral Public Library · © Dany Sloan CC BY-NC-SA · XC859371
Verified species, source iNaturalist
15 types of hawks recorded in Colorado
15 hawk species have a verified observation record in Colorado across the hawk family (Accipitridae), which also includes eagles, kites and harriers, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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11- 12
Also recorded in Colorado
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Common Black HawkButeogallus anthracinus | Buteogallus anthracinus | 15 |
| 14 | Harris's HawkParabuteo unicinctus | Parabuteo unicinctus | 12 |
| 15 | Red-shouldered HawkButeo lineatus | Buteo lineatus | 10 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
24,175 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Colorado, most often in April, May, January.
When hawk are recorded in Colorado
Yes, hawks are common across Colorado, especially on the eastern plains, the Front Range foothills, and open valleys. Colorado hosts year-round residents like Red-tailed Hawks and seasonal visitors such as Swainson's Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks. Start your search in grassland areas or along fence lines at dawn or dusk. The best odds are for Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson's Hawks in summer, and Ferruginous Hawks in the shortgrass prairie. Hawks are legally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making Colorado an important refuge for these birds of prey.
1. Where in Colorado are you most likely to see hawks?
The eastern plains from Denver to the Kansas border offer the best open-country habitat for hawks like Ferruginous and Swainson's. The Front Range foothills, especially around Boulder and Colorado Springs, hold Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks. In the San Luis Valley and along the Arkansas River, you can spot Rough-legged Hawks in winter. Start with prairie dog towns and agricultural fields where hawks perch on power poles and fence posts. For more on habitat, see ourColorado wildlife page.
2. What is the best season or time of day for hawk watching?
Spring and fall migration, from March to May and September to November, bring the highest numbers and variety. Early morning (7-10 a.m.) and late afternoon (4-6 p.m.) are the most active times for hunting. Summer residents like Swainson's Hawks are easiest to spot during the breeding season in June and July. Winter brings Rough-legged Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks to the plains. Plan your trip for clear, calm days for the best visibility.
3. How can you identify hawks in Colorado?
Focus on size, shape, and underwing patterns. Red-tailed Hawks show a dark belly band and a rusty red tail from above. Swainson's Hawks have a dark chest and white belly in light morph, with long, pointed wings. Ferruginous Hawks are large with mostly white underparts and rusty leg feathers. Cooper's Hawks are smaller with a rounded tail and accipiter proportions. Compare with falcons and eagles by checking wing shape and flight style. For a full identification guide, see ourhawks page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What are common hawk species in Colorado?
Red-tailed Hawk: year-round, adaptable, often perched roadside. Swainson's Hawk: summer visitor, often in large groups. Ferruginous Hawk: winter or resident, open plains. Rough-legged Hawk: winter only, hovers over fields. Cooper's Hawk: forest edges, known for bird hunting. Sharp-shinned Hawk: similar but smaller, rare east of mountains. Northern Harrier: grassland, distinctive for ground-hugging flight and male gray plumage. Each species has distinct habitat preferences that can help narrow your search.
5. Where can you see hawks along the Front Range?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver has reliable Red-tailed and Swainson's. Barr Lake State Park offers a hawk watch platform. Pawnee National Grassland in the northeast is excellent for Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks. Use the trails at Roxborough State Park for Cooper's Hawks. These spots are frequently visited by birders and offer good access. Remember to bring binoculars and a field guide.
6. What should you bring for a hawk spotting trip?
Binoculars (8x or 10x), a regional field guide, and a notebook for sketches and notes. A camera with a telephoto lens helps for later identification. Dress in layers, Colorado weather changes fast. Bring water and sunscreen. If you want to log sightings, download a birding app. A folding stool can make long waits comfortable. Keep distance to avoid flushing birds.
7. Show your appreciation for Colorado hawks
After a day in the field, you can bring a piece of that experience home. Easy Street Markets offers hawk-themed gear that makes spotting trips even more memorable.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A classic retro design featuring a peregrine falcon. Comfortable cotton tee for casual wear or birding trips.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set
Set of five hawk stickers for cars, gear, or notebooks. Each features a different bird of prey design.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Hawk Retro Hawk Bird T-Shirt
A vintage-style tee with a detailed hawk illustration. Perfect for birders who like classic looks.Check Price and Availability
For more artwork, browse ourbird wall art.
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. Do Red-tailed Hawks live in Colorado year-round?
Yes, Red-tailed Hawks are permanent residents across Colorado. They are the most commonly seen hawk in the state, present in all seasons. Look for them in open country, along highways, and in suburban parks. Their adaptation to varied habitats makes them the most flexible hawk species in the region.
9. When is the best time to see hawk migration in Colorado?
Hawk migration peaks in mid-September through October for fall, and late March through April for spring. The best sites along the Front Range include Hawk Watch at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and at the top of Cheyenne Mountain. Large numbers of Swainson's and Broad-winged Hawks can be seen on good flight days.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
10. Are hawks protected in Colorado?
Yes, all hawk species in Colorado are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits harming, capturing, or killing hawks without federal permits. This protection extends to their nests and eggs. Violations can result in significant fines and penalties. Conservation efforts support stable populations across the state, ensuring that future generations can enjoy watching these remarkable birds.
11. How can you tell the difference between a hawk and a falcon?
Hawks and falcons are often confused but belong to different families. Hawks have broader, rounded wings and slower wingbeats, while falcons have pointed, swept-back wings and fast, powerful flight. Hawks hunt by perching and watching, then diving or chasing, while falcons typically hunt on the wing at high speeds. Hawks soar in wide circles using thermals, whereas falcons use powered flight to chase prey in open air. Observing flight style and wing shape makes identification more reliable than size alone.
12. What do hawks eat in Colorado?
Diet varies by species and season. Red-tailed Hawks hunt small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits, plus occasional birds. Swainson's Hawks catch grasshoppers, crickets, and small mammals during summer. Ferruginous Hawks specialize in prairie dogs on the eastern plains, finding them abundant in dog towns. Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks hunt songbirds in woodland edges. Understanding prey availability and habitat helps predict where to find each species.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in Colorado: April, May, January
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in Colorado
1,234,649 verified hawk records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Colorado National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Curecanti National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Pueblo Reservoir · 373 species recorded
- Barr Lake SP · 359 species recorded
- John Martin Reservoir · 352 species recorded
- Chatfield SP (Douglas Co.) · 349 species recorded
- Cherry Creek SP · 348 species recorded
- Chatfield SP (Jefferson Co.) · 336 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in Colorado?+
The eastern plains from Denver to the Kansas border offer the best open-country habitat for hawks like Ferruginous and Swainson's. The Front Range foothills, especially around Boulder and Colorado Springs, hold Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks. In the San Luis Valley and along the Arkansas River, you can spot Rough-legged Hawks in winter. Start with prairie dog towns and agricultural fields where hawks perch on power poles and fence posts. For more on habitat, see ourColorado wildlife page.
Where can you see hawks in Colorado?+
The eastern plains from Denver to the Kansas border offer the best open-country habitat for hawks like Ferruginous and Swainson's. The Front Range foothills, especially around Boulder and Colorado Springs, hold Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks. In the San Luis Valley and along the Arkansas River, you can spot Rough-legged Hawks in winter. Start with prairie dog towns and agricultural fields where hawks perch on power poles and fence posts. For more on habitat, see ourColorado wildlife page.
When is the best time to see hawks in Colorado?+
The eastern plains from Denver to the Kansas border offer the best open-country habitat for hawks like Ferruginous and Swainson's. The Front Range foothills, especially around Boulder and Colorado Springs, hold Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks. In the San Luis Valley and along the Arkansas River, you can spot Rough-legged Hawks in winter. Start with prairie dog towns and agricultural fields where hawks perch on power poles and fence posts. For more on habitat, see ourColorado wildlife page.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Colorado