Hawks in North Dakota: Where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, hawks are found throughout North Dakota, especially in the Missouri River breaks and Turtle Mountains. Start by heading to the open grasslands of the Little Missouri National Grassland or along the Missouri River. This guide covers the most common species, best times for sightings, and key identification features to tell Red-tailed Hawks from Swainson's or Ferruginous Hawks. North Dakota's vast prairies provide the perfect hunting grounds for these impressive birds of prey.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Krider's Red-tailed Hawk · Jason Hill CC BY
Red-tailed Hawk · James Todd McCann CC BY
Cooper's Hawk · earl woolsey CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 125,139
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, June
- peak months
Yes, hawks are in North Dakota. Next you'll want:
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
10 types of hawks recorded in North Dakota
10 hawk species have a verified observation record in North Dakota 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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Plus 2 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
1,181 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in North Dakota, most often in April, May, June.
When hawk are recorded in North Dakota
Yes, hawks are found throughout North Dakota, especially in the Missouri River breaks and Turtle Mountains. Start by heading to the open grasslands of the Little Missouri National Grassland or along the Missouri River. This guide covers the most common species, best times for sightings, and key identification features to tell Red-tailed Hawks from Swainson's or Ferruginous Hawks. North Dakota's vast prairies provide the perfect hunting grounds for these impressive birds of prey.
Where in North Dakota are you most likely to see hawks?
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.
What is the best season and time of day for hawk watching?
Spring from April to May and fall from September to 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.
How can you identify the different hawk species in North Dakota?
Start with the belly and wing pattern. Red-tailed Hawks have a dark belly band and a rusty tail for 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 ourhawk identification guidefor more details.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the most common hawk species in North Dakota?
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 windows.
Where can you find the best vantage points for hawk spotting?
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. These locations provide high ground that is perfect for scanning the sky and the ground below for hunting birds.
What gear can help you get closer to the hawks?
A good pair of binoculars at 8x42 is essential. I also carry a field guide and a notebook. If you want to show off your hawk love, these items are great additions.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
This retro design captures the speed of a peregrine falcon. Perfect for birding trips or casual wear.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
Stick these on your water bottle or field notebook. Each sticker shows a different hawk species.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
For a unique look, this shirt pairs a hawk with tarot imagery. Fun conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Browse morebird-themed art printsfor your home.
How do hawks compare with other raptors like eagles and owls?
Hawks are diurnal hunters with broad wings and long tails, unlike owls which are nocturnal. Compared to Bald Eagles, hawks are smaller and more agile. In North Dakota, you might seeBald Eaglesalong rivers andGreat Horned Owlsin woodlands. Eagles have much larger size and white heads, while owls have large heads and forward-facing eyes.
Are hawks protected in North Dakota?
Yes, all hawks in North Dakota are protected under state and federal laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to hunt, capture, or harm these birds. Conservation efforts ensure that their nesting sites and hunting grounds remain intact, which is vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
What is the largest hawk in North Dakota?
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in North Dakota, with a wingspan that can reach up to 56 inches. These massive birds are often seen soaring over the open prairies of the western part of the state. They are distinguished by their white underparts and dark legs which form a characteristic V shape in flight.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hawk in North Dakota: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hawk sighting in North Dakota
125,139 verified hawk records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Arrowwood NWR (general) · 251 species recorded
- Upper Souris NWR (general) · 250 species recorded
- Kellys Slough NWR · 249 species recorded
- Long Lake NWR · 246 species recorded
- Des Lacs NWR · 245 species recorded
- Pipestem Reservoir (general) · 243 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hawk species live in North Dakota?+
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.
Where can you see hawks in North Dakota?+
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.
When is the best time to see hawks in North Dakota?+
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.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in North Dakota