11 Types of Hawks in Wyoming

What are the most common hawk species in Wyoming?

The red-tailed hawk is the most widespread, seen year-round across the state. Swainson's hawks arrive in summer to nest, while ferruginous hawks prefer the open prairie of eastern Wyoming. Rough-legged hawks winter here, and northern harriers patrol marshes and fields. For a full breakdown of each species, check out ourhawk identification hub.

In Wyoming, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

The northern harrier, sometimes called a marsh hawk, is equally common in wetland areas and grasslands. This slender raptor hunts close to the ground with a distinctive buoyant flight pattern and pale facial disc that makes it easy to pick out once you know what to look for. Long-tailed weasels and jackrabbits are common prey, making areas near irrigation ditches and sloughs prime viewing locations.

How do I tell red-tailed hawks from Swainson's hawks?

Focus on the belly and tail. Red-tailed hawks have a dark belly band on a light belly, while Swainson's hawks have a dark bib or a clean white belly. Adult red-tails show a solid rusty tail above; Swainson's have a pale tail with dark bands. In flight, Swainson's show white wing linings contrasting with dark flight feathers. See ourhawk species pagefor more side-by-side comparisons.

Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Wyoming. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.

When comparing dark morphs, look at wing shape and size. Swainson's are smaller with narrower wings and a longer tail proportionally. Red-tails are more compact and powerful, with wider wings built for heavy prey like ground squirrels and cottontails. Immatures complicate the picture, but behavior and habitat often narrow the identification down fast. Swainson's prefer open country and often perch on the ground or low shrubs; red-tails favor taller perches with better visibility.

Where in Wyoming do people usually spot hawks first?

The shortgrass prairies east of the Rockies, particularly around Thunder Basin National Grassland and the Red Desert, offer consistent sightings. The foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and the Laramie Plains are also reliable. Look for hawks perched on utility poles along highways US-287 and WY-789. Explore theWyoming wildlife overviewfor more locations.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

The Bighorn National Forest edges, particularly in the summer, host nesting pairs and fledglings learning to hunt. Early morning drives through these areas in June and July often yield multiple sightings as parents hunt for nestlings. The North Platte River corridor also concentrates hawk activity, especially during migration periods when birds follow the river valley as a natural funnel.

What is the best season for hawk watching?

Spring migration (March through May) and fall migration (September through November) bring the highest diversity and numbers. Summer is good for resident nesting hawks like red-tails and Swainson's. Winter offers rough-legged hawks and occasional goshawks. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best activity. For timing tips, see theWyoming seasonal guide.

April and May attract Swainson's, rough-legged, and occasional ferruginous hawks moving north. September through October peaks with southbound migrants funneling through mountain passes and river valleys. March offers good spring hawk activity but unpredictable weather; November remains productive before deeper winter sets in. Dawn to mid-morning typically shows peak activity when thermals form and birds hunt actively.

How can I identify ferruginous and rough-legged hawks?

Ferruginous hawks are the largest buteo in Wyoming. Look for a pale head, rusty back, and bright white underside with no belly band. From below, they show a distinct white V at the base of the tail. Rough-legged hawks have feathered legs, a dark belly band, and dark wrists on the underwing. They hover more than other hawks and are only present in winter.

Ferruginous hawks show two distinct morphs, light and dark, but the white V-pattern on the underside is diagnostic in both. Light morphs show rusty shoulder patches and leg feathering that other hawk species lack. Rough-legged hawks also show leg feathering and hover frequently over open country, a behavior unique among Wyoming's common hawks. The dark wrist patches and barred tail help clinch the identification when hovering birds are viewed from below.

What is the easiest place to start looking for hawks in Wyoming?

Try the area around Guernsey State Park or the Laramie Plains. These spots offer open terrain and reliable perches. The Seminoe Reservoir area and nearby sage flats also provide excellent beginner-friendly habitat with good road access and consistent hawk activity. Drive slowly along county roads near these reservoirs in early morning, stopping frequently to scan utility poles, dead trees, and ridge lines. You'll rarely go an hour without seeing at least one hawk.

Where can I find hawk-themed gear to celebrate my sightings?

After a successful day of hawk watching, you can commemorate the experience with hawk-inspired items.

Peregrine Falcon Retro Graphic Tee

A classic retro design featuring a peregrine falcon, perfect for wearing on your next outing.Check Price and Availability

5X Hawk Sticker Set

A five-piece set of hawk decals for your car, laptop, or water bottle.Check Price and Availability

Hawk Tarot Card T-Shirt

A unique tarot-inspired tee that combines birding with mysticism.Check Price and Availability

For more wall art options, browse ourbird art prints collection.

Do hawks in Wyoming migrate?

Yes. Swainson's hawks are long-distance migrants, wintering in Argentina. Red-tailed hawks are mostly resident, but northern populations may move south. Rough-legged hawks migrate from the Arctic to winter in Wyoming. Ferruginous hawks may move altitudinally. The best migration viewing is along the foothills of the Rockies in spring and fall.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

Swainson's departure in late August through September is dramatic, with hundreds moving through in a few weeks. Their spring return begins in March, with numbers building through April and May. Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks show less dramatic patterns, but northern breeding populations still shift south during harsh winters, creating a longer window for winter visitors who miss the migration spectacles.

What habitat do different hawk species prefer in Wyoming?

Red-tailed hawks adapt to almost any open or semi-open habitat, from grasslands to mountain foothills to even suburban areas. They favor areas with scattered trees or utility poles for perching and hunting. Swainson's hawks need open prairie and shortgrass steppes for their aerial hunting style and prefer nesting in isolated trees or cliffs. Ferruginous hawks stick to the most open terrain, avoiding tall timber and preferring sprawling shortgrass prairie where they can spot prey from great distances.

Northern harriers require wet grasslands, marshes, and sedge meadows where they hunt by gliding low over vegetation. Rough-legged hawks in winter choose open areas with visibility and available perches. Understanding habitat preferences transforms spotting success because you can navigate directly to species-specific zones rather than hoping to find hawks randomly across the state. A map showing vegetation types and elevation helps enormously.

What should I bring and how should I dress for hawk watching in Wyoming?

Binoculars are essential, ideally 10x42 or 8x42 for a wide field of view. A camera with at least a 400mm telephoto lens helps with documentation and learning field marks. Wear camouflage or earth-tone clothing to avoid alarming birds, though hawks usually tolerate stationary observers well. Bring water, sun protection, and a notebook to log sightings by time and location.

Wyoming weather changes fast, so layers are critical even in summer. Mornings can be cold and windy; afternoons heat up quickly. A windbreaker and hat protect against unexpected weather shifts. Comfortable boots or hiking shoes matter because you'll spend hours walking country roads and scanning distant buttes. A GPS unit or phone app recording waypoints helps you return to productive spots and share locations with other birders.

Which Wyoming hawk species are most likely to hover?

Rough-legged hawks hover more than any other Wyoming hawk, holding position over open ground before dropping on small rodents. Northern harriers also hover, though less frequently, using their owl-like facial disc and low-altitude hunting style. Red-tailed hawks occasionally hover but usually prefer perch hunting. Swainson's hawks rarely hover and instead hunt from soaring, scanning the ground while circling high above.

Hovering behavior is a reliable field mark for rough-legged hawks in winter, especially when combined with their feathered legs and dark wrist patches. Watching a rough-legged hawk hover and strike teaches you a lot about predator-prey dynamics in Wyoming grasslands. The habit reveals the bird's hunting strategy and the density of voles and mice in a given area. If you see consistent hovering, the location holds good rodent populations.