10 Types of Hawks in South Dakota
South Dakota hosts at least nine hawk species year-round or seasonally. The most widespread are Red-tailed Hawks and Swainson's Hawks, but you can also spot Ferruginous Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and others. Start with open grasslands, river corridors, and the edges of the Black Hills for the best viewing odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- April, May, March
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
10 types of hawks recorded in South Dakota
10 hawk species have a verified observation record in South 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.
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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
2,022 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in South Dakota, most often in April, May, March.
South Dakota hosts at least nine hawk species year-round or seasonally. The most widespread are Red-tailed Hawks and Swainson's Hawks, but you can also spot Ferruginous Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and others. Start with open grasslands, river corridors, and the edges of the Black Hills for the best viewing odds.
What are the most common hawks in South Dakota?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common and widespread, seen along highways and in agricultural fields. Swainson's Hawks are abundant in summer, often in large flocks. The Ferruginous Hawk favors shortgrass prairies in the west, while the Rough-legged Hawk appears in winter from the north. The Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk are smaller, woodland-dwelling accipiters.
How can I identify hawks by their field marks?
Focus on wing shape, tail pattern, and size relative to a crow. Red-tailed Hawks have a classic broad wing and a brick-red tail (adults). Swainson's Hawks have longer, more pointed wings and a dark belly band. Ferruginous Hawks are large with a pale belly, dark legs, and a white patch in the tail. Rough-legged Hawks have a black belly and wrist patches. Use a field guide or theHawk ID tipsfor finer details.
Where in South Dakota are hawks usually seen first?
The best starting points are the Missouri River corridor, the grasslands west of the river, and the edges of the Black Hills. In the east, farm country with power poles offers reliable perches. In the west, Badlands National Park and the mixed-grass prairies of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland are prime. CheckSouth Dakota wildlife hubsfor more site breakdowns.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for hawk watching in South Dakota?
Spring and fall migration (April-May and September-October) provide the highest diversity and numbers. Summer residents like Swainson's and Red-tailed Hawks are easiest to spot from May to August. Rough-legged Hawks are only present November through March. For the best seasonal identification practice, plan a trip in early October when many species are on the move.
How do I separate similar-looking hawks?
Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks can look alike in flight. Red-tailed has a shorter, broader tail and a distinct belly band. Swainson's shows a dark chest and a dark trailing edge on the wing. Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks are both large and pale but check the leg feathering: Ferruginous has feathered legs, Rough-legged has feathered legs to the toes. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned are tricky: Cooper's is larger with a rounded tail, Sharp-shinned has a squared tail. Study ourHawk identification hubfor split comparisons.
What do hawks in South Dakota eat?
Diet varies by species. Red-tailed Hawks take rodents, rabbits, and snakes. Swainson's Hawks hunt insects, small mammals, and birds. The Ferruginous Hawk specializes in prairie dogs and jackrabbits. Rough-legged Hawks eat voles and lemmings. Watching a hawk hunt can clinch an ID, especially when the prey is visible.
Where can I buy hawk-themed gifts and gear?
If you want to take a piece of the hawk watch home, check theEasy Street Markets bird art prints. For apparel, the **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee** is a favorite.
Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee
A comfortable tee featuring a classic hawk design, perfect for birders in the field or at home.Check Price and Availability
5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces)
A set of durable stickers featuring different hawk species, great for decorating gear or field notebooks.Check Price and Availability
Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt
A unique graphic shirt combining hawk imagery with tarot symbolism, a fun conversation piece.Check Price and Availability
What is the largest hawk in South Dakota?
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest, with a wingspan over 50 inches and a heavy body. The Red-tailed Hawk comes second. The smallest is the Sharp-shinned Hawk, about the size of a jay.
How rare is a Swainson's Hawk in South Dakota?
Common in summer, especially west of the Missouri. They form nests in trees along rivers and can be seen in flocks during migration. Not rare at all but often confused with Red-tailed Hawks.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common hawks in South Dakota?+
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common and widespread, seen along highways and in agricultural fields. Swainson's Hawks are abundant in summer, often in large flocks. The Ferruginous Hawk favors shortgrass prairies in the west, while the Rough-legged Hawk appears in winter from the north. The Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk are smaller, woodland-dwelling accipiters.
How can I identify hawks by their field marks?+
Focus on wing shape, tail pattern, and size relative to a crow. Red-tailed Hawks have a classic broad wing and a brick-red tail (adults). Swainson's Hawks have longer, more pointed wings and a dark belly band. Ferruginous Hawks are large with a pale belly, dark legs, and a white patch in the tail. Rough-legged Hawks have a black belly and wrist patches. Use a field guide or theHawk ID tipsfor finer details.
Where in South Dakota are hawks usually seen first?+
The best starting points are the Missouri River corridor, the grasslands west of the river, and the edges of the Black Hills. In the east, farm country with power poles offers reliable perches. In the west, Badlands National Park and the mixed-grass prairies of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland are prime. CheckSouth Dakota wildlife hubsfor more site breakdowns. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for hawk watching in South Dakota?+
Spring and fall migration (April-May and September-October) provide the highest diversity and numbers. Summer residents like Swainson's and Red-tailed Hawks are easiest to spot from May to August. Rough-legged Hawks are only present November through March. For the best seasonal identification practice, plan a trip in early October when many species are on the move.
How do I separate similar-looking hawks?+
Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks can look alike in flight. Red-tailed has a shorter, broader tail and a distinct belly band. Swainson's shows a dark chest and a dark trailing edge on the wing. Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks are both large and pale but check the leg feathering: Ferruginous has feathered legs, Rough-legged has feathered legs to the toes. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned are tricky: Cooper's is larger with a rounded tail, Sharp-shinned has a squared tail. Study ourHawk identification hubfor split comparisons.
What do hawks in South Dakota eat?+
Diet varies by species. Red-tailed Hawks take rodents, rabbits, and snakes. Swainson's Hawks hunt insects, small mammals, and birds. The Ferruginous Hawk specializes in prairie dogs and jackrabbits. Rough-legged Hawks eat voles and lemmings. Watching a hawk hunt can clinch an ID, especially when the prey is visible.
Where can I buy hawk-themed gifts and gear?+
If you want to take a piece of the hawk watch home, check theEasy Street Markets bird art prints. For apparel, the **Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee** is a favorite. ### Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee A comfortable tee featuring a classic hawk design, perfect for birders in the field or at home.Check Price and Availability ### 5X Hawk Sticker Set (5 pieces) A set of durable stickers featuring different hawk species, great for decorating gear or field notebooks.Check Price and Availability ### Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt A unique graphic shirt combining hawk imagery with tarot symbolism, a fun conversation piece.Check Price and Availability
What is the largest hawk in South Dakota?+
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest, with a wingspan over 50 inches and a heavy body. The Red-tailed Hawk comes second. The smallest is the Sharp-shinned Hawk, about the size of a jay.
How rare is a Swainson's Hawk in South Dakota?+
Common in summer, especially west of the Missouri. They form nests in trees along rivers and can be seen in flocks during migration. Not rare at all but often confused with Red-tailed Hawks. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in South Dakota