10 Majestic Hawks of Wyoming

Research the atmospheres of the West with our guide to the 10 hawks of Wyoming. Learn about each species, their habitats, and their roles in the ecosystem.

10 Majestic Hawks of Wyoming:

1. Red-tailed Hawk:

The Red-tailed Hawk is a majestic bird of prey known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail. It has a robust body with broad wings, allowing it to soar effortlessly. 

The bird’s plumage varies, but it generally has a pale underside with a streaked belly and a dark brown back. Its eyes are sharp, often a piercing yellow, and its beak is hooked, perfect for tearing meat. 

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, the Red-tailed Hawk is a common sight. They prefer open areas such as grasslands, deserts, and fields. 

These hawks can also be found perched on tall structures, like telephone poles, scanning the ground for prey. 

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The diet of the Red-tailed Hawk primarily consists of small mammals like mice, squirrels, and rabbits.
• They are opportunistic hunters, often waiting patiently on a high perch before swooping down on unsuspecting prey.
• Their keen eyesight allows them to spot movement from great distances, making them effective predators in their environment.

• Length:  45-65 cm (18-26 in)
• Weight: 690-1600 g (1.5-3.5 lb)
• Wingspan: 110-141 cm (3 ft 7 in – 4 ft 8 in)

2. Rough-legged Hawk:

The Rough-legged Hawk stands out with its unique feathered legs, a feature not common in many hawks. 

This medium-to-large raptor has a wingspan of about 52.0-54.3 in. Its plumage is variable, but it often showcases a mix of dark and light patterns, with a distinct dark belly and carpal patches on the underwing.

The hawk’s eyes are deep-set, and its beak is sharp, designed for its carnivorous diet. The feathered legs, from which it gets its name, provide insulation in colder climates.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: Rough-legged Hawks are migratory birds, and Wyoming serves as their wintering ground. They are drawn to the state’s open landscapes, such as grasslands, fields, and marshes. The vast expanses of Wyoming offer them ample hunting opportunities, making it a preferred destination during the colder months.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, especially lemmings and voles.
• These hawks employ a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, often hovering in the air before diving into their prey.
• Their excellent vision and agile flight capabilities enable them to be efficient hunters, even in the challenging terrains of Wyoming.

• Length: 18.5-20.5 in (47-52 cm) 
• Weight:  25.2-49.4 oz (715-1400 g) 
• Wingspan:  52.0-54.3 in (132-138 cm)

3. Northern Harrier:

The Northern Harrier is a slender raptor, easily identifiable by its owl-like facial disk which helps it channel sound. 

This medium-sized bird has long wings and a long tail, making it agile in flight. 

Its plumage is generally grayish-brown for males and brown for females, with a distinctive white rump patch visible during flight. 

The harrier’s eyes are intense, and its beak is sharp and hooked, typical of birds of prey.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, the Northern Harrier is commonly found in open habitats. It favors wetlands, marshes, and grasslands where it can hunt with ease. The state’s vast open spaces and wetland areas provide an ideal environment for these birds to thrive and hunt.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Northern Harrier primarily feeds on small mammals and birds.
• Unlike many raptors, it hunts by flying low over open ground, relying on both sight and sound to detect prey.
• Its unique facial disk allows it to hear the subtle movements of prey hidden in the grass, giving it an edge in hunting.

• Length: 16-20 in (41-52 cm) 
• Weight:  10-14 oz (290-400 g)
• Wingspan:  38-48 in (97-122 cm) 

4. Cooper’s Hawk:

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a sleek appearance. It boasts a sharp, hooked beak and intense eyes, characteristic of birds of prey. 

The adult plumage is a rich slate-gray on the top with warm reddish bars on the underparts, while the young ones have brown streaking. 

One of its distinguishing features is its long legs and banded tail, which can be seen during its swift flight.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, the Cooper’s Hawk is often found in woodlands and forested areas. The state’s mix of dense forests and open spaces offers the perfect environment for this raptor to nest and hunt.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Cooper’s Hawk primarily preys on birds, making it a formidable threat in bird feeders.
• It is known for its incredible agility, often darting through trees and shrubs to catch its prey by surprise.
• Unlike some raptors, it can chase its prey in flight, showcasing its remarkable speed and maneuverability.

• Length: 14.6-15.3 in (37-39 cm) 
• Weight:  7.8-14.5 oz (220-410 g)
• Wingspan:  24.4-35.4 in (62-90 cm)

5. Sharp-shinned Hawk:

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in North America, yet its presence is undeniably striking. It possesses a slender body, short wings, and a notably long tail.

Adults are characterized by a blue-gray back and wings, with a white underside streaked with rufous.

Their eyes are deep red, and they have a sharp, hooked beak, typical of raptors. The young ones, in contrast, have a brownish hue with vertical streaks on their underparts.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is predominantly found in forested areas, especially during the breeding season. The state’s dense woodlands and coniferous forests provide an ideal backdrop for this agile bird to thrive.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The diet of the Sharp-shinned Hawk is primarily composed of small birds, which it captures in mid-air.
• It is an ambush predator, often waiting stealthily in dense foliage to surprise its prey.

• Their swift and acrobatic flight allows them to navigate through dense woods, making them efficient hunters.

• Length:  9.4-13.4 in (24-34 cm) 
• Weight:  3.1-7.7 oz (87-218 g) 
• Wingspan:  6.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)

Related article: Red, Orange, & Yellow Birds of Wyoming (Photo & call guide)

6. Northern Goshawk:

The Northern Goshawk stands as a formidable raptor, known for its fierce demeanor and impressive size.

Adults exhibit a slate-gray plumage on their backs, contrasting with a paler underside adorned with fine horizontal streaks.

Their piercing red eyes and robust, hooked beaks are a testament to their predatory nature. A distinguishing feature is their long tail, which aids in their agile flight.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: Wyoming offers a conducive habitat for the Northern Goshawk, with its expansive coniferous forests and mixed woodlands. These birds prefer mature forests for nesting, making Wyoming’s dense woods an ideal sanctuary.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Northern Goshawk primarily feeds on birds and mammals, showcasing its versatility as a predator.

• It employs a “sit-and-wait” approach, perching silently before launching a sudden, swift attack on its unsuspecting prey.

• Their powerful wings enable them to chase and capture prey even in dense forests, reflecting their adaptability and prowess.

• Length:  20.9-25.2 in (53-64 cm) 
• Weight:  22.3-48.1 oz (631-1364 g)
• Wingspan:  40.5-46.1 in (103-117 cm) 

7. Broad-winged Hawk:

The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized raptor, distinguished by its compact frame and broad wings. 

Adults are adorned with a reddish-brown chest and a barred belly, while their underwings showcase a distinct white and black pattern.

Their eyes, a captivating amber, are set above a sharp, hooked beak. The tail features prominent white and black bands, making it easily identifiable during flight.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, the Broad-winged Hawk is more of a transient visitor than a permanent resident. They are often spotted during migration seasons, primarily in the eastern parts of the state, favoring deciduous forests and woodland edges.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Broad-winged Hawk has a varied diet, feeding on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and even insects.

• It often hunts from a perch, keenly observing its surroundings before swooping down on its prey with precision.

• Their hunting strategy is a blend of patience and surprise, ensuring a high success rate in capturing prey.

• Length:  Length: 34-44 cm (13.4-17.3 in) 
• Weight:  265-560 g (9.3-19.8 oz)
• Wingspan:  81-100 cm (31.9-39.4 in)

Related article: 15 Largest birds in Wyoming with Bold Look 

8. Ferruginous Hawk:

The Ferruginous Hawk stands out as the largest of the North American buteos. Its name, derived from the Latin word for “rusty,” aptly describes its reddish-brown back and wings.

The bird’s underparts are pale, often with a reddish hue, and its broad wings and robust body give it a commanding presence in the sky.

A distinguishing feature is its feathered legs, extending down to the toes, a rarity among hawks.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: Wyoming’s vast open grasslands, prairies, and desert basins provide an ideal habitat for the Ferruginous Hawk. The bird thrives in these open spaces, often seen soaring or perched on high vantage points, surveying the landscape.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Ferruginous Hawk primarily feeds on ground squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals.

• It employs both soaring and perch hunting techniques, using its keen eyesight to spot potential prey from afar.

• Once a target is identified, the hawk dives swiftly and powerfully, capturing its prey with precision.

• Length: 20-28 in (51-71 cm) 
• Weight:  32.0-80.0 oz (907-2268 g) 
• Wingspan:  48-62 in (122-158 cm)

9. Red-shouldered Hawk:

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized raptor, celebrated for its striking appearance. 

Adults boast a rich chestnut brown on the shoulders and legs, giving the bird its namesake. 

The underparts are pale with dark, narrow streaks, and its wings display a checkered pattern when spread. Its eyes, a deep, captivating red, are set above a sharp, hooked beak, making it a true embodiment of avian elegance.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: While not as common in Wyoming as in the eastern parts of the U.S., the Red-shouldered Hawk can occasionally be spotted in the state’s riparian woodlands and forested wetlands. 

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• The Red-shouldered Hawk has a diverse diet, feeding on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and even insects.

• It typically hunts from a perch, keenly scanning its surroundings before launching a swift attack on its prey.

• The bird’s hunting strategy combines patience with sudden bursts of speed, ensuring a successful catch.

• Length: 16.9-24.0 in (43-61 cm) 
• Weight:  17.1-27.3 oz (486-774 g)
• Wingspan:  37.0-43.7 in (94-111 cm) 

10. Swainson’s Hawk:

Swainson’s Hawk is a majestic raptor, known for its slender build and long wings. Adults exhibit a light belly contrasted with a dark chest, and their wings, when spread, reveal a silver-gray underwing.

The tail often showcases a band of white, making it distinct from other hawks. Its eyes, a sharp, piercing yellow, are set above a formidable, curved beak, showcasing the bird’s predatory prowess.

Habitat and Distribution in Wyoming: In Wyoming, Swainson’s Hawk is more prevalent than its Red-shouldered counterpart.It favors open areas like grasslands and prairies, often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on fence posts.

Diet and Hunting Habits:

• Swainson’s Hawk primarily feeds on insects, especially during migration. Grasshoppers, crickets, and dragonflies are among its favorites.
• However, it’s also known to prey on small mammals and birds when the opportunity arises.
• The hawk employs a strategy of soaring high and then diving swiftly to catch its prey, using its keen eyesight to spot potential meals from a distance.

• Length: 43-56 cm (17-22 in) long
• Weight:  0.5-1.7 kg (1.1-3.7 lb)
• Wingspan:  117-137 cm (46-54 in) 

Know about – All Hawks information

FAQS:

Q: Are there hawks in Wyoming?

Ans: Yes, there are hawks in Wyoming. Some of the hawks found in Wyoming include the Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, American goshawk, Broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, Red-tailed hawk, Rough-legged hawk, and Ferruginous hawk.

Q: What is the largest hawk in Wyoming?

Ans: The Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) is one of the largest hawks in Wyoming.

Q: What is the bird of prey in Wyoming?

Ans: Wyoming is home to various birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and kites. Some notable birds of prey in Wyoming include the Golden eagle, the Northern harrier, the Bald eagle, and the aforementioned hawks.

In summary:

10 hawks of Wyoming show remarkable flexibility and skills across the state. These birds are vital for controlling pests and maintaining the health of ecosystems, making them crucial to Wyoming’s natural heritage.