Hawks in Colorado: where to see them and how to identify them

1. Where in the state are hawk sightings most likely?

Hawks are found throughout Colorado, but your best bets are the eastern plains (Pawnee National Grassland, Comanche National Grassland) and the Front Range foothills. These areas offer open terrain perfect for hunting. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver is especially reliable for year-round sightings of red-tailed hawks and Swainson's hawks. For higher elevation species like the ferruginous hawk, head to the shortgrass prairies east of Colorado Springs. The South Platte River corridor, from Denver northeast to Greeley, offers consistent sightings of multiple species during migration. Higher elevations in the San Juan Mountains and around Monarch Pass attract mountain-dwelling raptors in summer. Check ourColorado wildlife pagefor more regional tips.

The best approach is to match habitat to species: open grasslands for ferruginous hawks, forest edges for sharp-shinned hawks, and prairie dog towns for golden eagles and rough-legged hawks.

2. What is the best season and time of day to spot hawks?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are prime migration periods when you'll see the highest numbers. Many hawks pass through the state along the Rocky Mountain flyway. In summer, resident species are active but can be harder to spot in the heat. Early morning (dawn to 10 a.m.) is the best time of day when hawks start hunting after roosting. Late afternoon also works, especially during cooler months.

Winter brings northern hawks like rough-legged hawks and gyrfalcons from the Arctic, particularly on the eastern plains. Clear, calm days are better than windy ones for spotting perched birds. Overcast mornings can actually improve viewing because hawks are more active when temperatures are cooler. Peak activity during migration happens on northerly wind days when thermals push raptors northward. Breeding season (June-July) means resident hawks are tied to nesting territories, making them more predictable in specific locations.

3. How can you identify hawks in Colorado compared to similar species?

Start with the tail shape: buteos (like red-tailed hawks) have broad, rounded tails while accipiters (like Cooper's hawks) have long, banded tails. Look at the wing shape in flight: buteos soar with wings held in a shallow V, accipiters flap more. The red-tailed hawk has a rusty red upper tail (visible in adults). Compare with similar eagles and falcons by size and flight style. For a handy reference, see ourhawk identification guide.

Size is critical: red-tailed hawks are large (20-26 inches), while sharp-shinned hawks are small (10-14 inches). Swainson's hawks (19-22 inches) have pale undersides with dark chest bands. Ferruginous hawks are bulky (22-27 inches) with rusty shoulders. Look at head pattern: red-tails have a pale belly and dark patagial marks, while Swainson's show a clear booted leg look. Rough-legged hawks have dark wrists and feathered legs.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What are the most common hawk species you'll see in Colorado?

The most frequently seen species are the red-tailed hawk (year-round), Swainson's hawk (summer), and Cooper's hawk (wooded areas). The ferruginous hawk is a specialty of the eastern plains in winter and spring. Rough-legged hawks show up in winter from the Arctic. The sharp-shinned hawk is a smaller, fast-flying accipiter often seen at feeders. Knowing these common species helps narrow down your ID.

Red-tailed hawks, Colorado's most abundant raptor, adapt to nearly every habitat. Swainson's hawks arrive in April from Central America and raise young in grasslands before departing in September. Cooper's hawks have expanded their range across suburban Denver and mountain towns. The ferruginous hawk, North America's heaviest raptor, winters on the plains hunting prairie dogs and rabbits. Northern harriers (marsh hawks) work wetland edges and grasslands with their distinctive low, tilting flight. Broad-winged hawks are rare summer visitors at higher elevations.

5. Where should you go for the best hawk watching in Colorado?

Top locations include the Pawnee National Grassland (especially along the Pawnee Buttes trail), the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and the areas around Barr Lake State Park. In the mountains, look for hawks along the edges of meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park. The annual Hawkwatch at the Weld County Hawk Watch site near Greeley is a must in September. For migration, the ridges near Golden and Morrison can be productive.

Pawnee National Grassland draws watchers from across the region during fall migration. Start at the visitor center near Grover for trail recommendations and recent sightings. The 16-mile Scenic Loop explores prime ferruginous hawk and golden eagle country. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, 15 miles northeast of Denver, has a 15-mile refuge loop with several overlooks where red-tails and Swainson's hawks hunt. Barr Lake State Park, just east of the arsenal, offers wetland viewing where northern harriers work the cattails.

Rocky Mountain National Park's meadow edges, particularly along Trail Ridge Road and the Never Summer Range, host mountain raptors in summer. Chatfield State Park's reservoir and grasslands near Denver attract migrating hawks. The Wet Mountain Valley between Poncha Springs and Westcliffe offers reliable sightings in open terrain.

6. What hawks are easiest to misidentify in Colorado?

The most common misidentifications involve red-tailed hawks and Swainson's hawks, especially light morphs of each. Young red-tailed hawks lack the red tail and can appear nearly identical to young Swainson's hawks. Both have dark belly bands, but Swainson's show a clear bicolored pattern with a pale head and dark chest.

Accipiters (sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and northern goshawks) are frequently confused with each other. Size is the key: sharp-shinned is robin-sized, Cooper's is pigeon-to-crow-sized, and goshawks are as large as crows. Golden eagles can be mistaken for large red-tailed hawks, but look for feathering on the golden eagle's legs and a heavier bill.

Falcons (particularly the peregrine) are often mistaken for hawks, but falcons have pointed wings and dash flight, while hawks have broad wings and soaring flight. Rough-legged hawks' feathered legs and dark wrist marks separate them from red-tailed hawks. Take time to observe flight style and shape before deciding on a species.

7. What do hawks hunt, and when are they most active?

Red-tailed hawks hunt squirrels, rabbits, voles, and prairie dogs. Swainson's hawks feed heavily on grasshoppers and crickets during summer. Cooper's hawks specialize in small birds and are regular visitors to suburban feeders. Ferruginous hawks hunt prairie dogs and ground squirrels on the plains. Sharp-shinned hawks are aerial hunters of songbirds and small game.

Hawks are most active in early morning and late afternoon when prey is also moving. Thermals (rising warm air) peak mid-morning through early afternoon, which is when hawks soar and gain altitude for hunting runs. On calm, cool mornings, hawks hunt closer to the ground. Hunting success increases on prey-abundant days, so locations with prairie dog colonies or rodent outbreaks attract multiple hawks. Breeding hawks are busier in June and July as they provision nestlings.

8. Show your hawk pride with Easy Street Markets gear

Once you've spotted these birds, carry a piece of that experience home. Our Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee captures the speed and grace of a falcon. For a more subtle nod, the 5X Hawk Sticker Set makes a great addition to a water bottle or field notebook. And the Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt blends art with birding.

Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee

A classic tee that shows off one of Colorado's fastest birds. Soft cotton, vintage print. Great for casual birders.Check Price and Availability

5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)

Five durable vinyl stickers featuring different hawks. Perfect for decorating gear or a field notebook.Check Price and Availability

Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt

A unique design combining birding with mysticism. Soft fabric, runs true to size.Check Price and Availability

For more options, browse ourbird wall artor check out our fullhawk collection.

9. Frequently asked questions about hawks in Colorado

**What hawk species are most common in Colorado?** Red-tailed hawks are the most common year-round, followed by Swainson's hawks in summer and Cooper's hawks in wooded areas.

**Where can I see a ferruginous hawk in Colorado?** Your best odds are on the eastern plains, especially the Pawnee National Grassland, during winter and early spring.

**Do hawks live in Denver?** Yes. Cooper's hawks and red-tailed hawks nest in city parks and along the South Platte River corridor.

**What time of year do hawks migrate through Colorado?** Peak migration is mid-April to mid-May in spring and late August through October in fall.

**How do I tell a hawk from an eagle?** Hawks are smaller, with shorter wings relative to their body. Eagles have much larger, broader wings and a more massive bill.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

10. How do I photograph or safely observe hawks without disturbing them?

Hawks are sensitive to human approach, especially during nesting season. Use binoculars from 50 to 100 feet away or more. Stay behind cover like trees or blinds to avoid detection. Never approach a nest or perched hawk directly. Most hawks will flush if they feel threatened, wasting their energy.

For photography, use a telephoto lens (at least 400mm) to maintain safe distance. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photos. Stay off main nest or perch areas during June and July. If a hawk shows alarm behavior (backing away, hunching, or vocalizing), move back immediately.

Group hawk watching tours, like those run by local Audubon chapters, follow strict protocols to protect birds while maximizing viewing opportunities. These guided experiences often yield better sightings because skilled guides know current locations and behaviors.