By Avian Feathers Team
Published August 2025
Colorado’s big skies and wide-open spaces make it a hawk lover’s paradise. From prairie grasslands to alpine forests, these skilled fliers are often seen soaring overhead or perched on fenceposts, scanning for their next meal. Whether you’re a new birder or a seasoned watcher, these eight hawks are some of the most common—and exciting—to spot in the state.
1. Red-tailed Hawk
This is one of the most widespread and recognizable hawks in North America. Red-tailed Hawks are large, broad-winged raptors with a signature brick-red tail. They’re often seen circling in the sky or perched along highways. Their raspy scream is a classic sound of the wild west.
Size
Length: 18–26 in (45–66 cm)
Wingspan: 43–56 in (110–142 cm)
Weight: 1.5–3.5 lbs (680–1600 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
2. Swainson’s Hawk
These long-distance migrants travel all the way from South America to breed in Colorado’s open fields and grasslands. Swainson’s Hawks are medium-sized, with long wings and a pale belly. They often hunt in groups and are especially active during grasshopper season.
Size
Length: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Wingspan: 46–54 in (117–137 cm)
Weight: 1.8–2.7 lbs (0.8–1.2 kg)
Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
3. Ferruginous Hawk
This hawk is the largest of the North American Buteos. Ferruginous Hawks are powerful, with pale underparts and rusty feathering on their backs and legs. They prefer open country and are often seen gliding low over prairies or perched on power poles.
Size
Length: 22–27 in (56–69 cm)
Wingspan: 52–56 in (132–142 cm)
Weight: 2.2–4.5 lbs (1–2 kg)
Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
4. Rough-legged Hawk
These hawks migrate to Oregon in winter from the Arctic. They have feathered legs all the way to their toes. You’ll usually see them hovering over open fields or perched on fence posts.
Size
Length: 18.5–20.5 in (47–52 cm)
Wingspan: 52–54 in (132–138 cm)
Weight: 1.6–3.0 lbs (725–1400 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
5. Ferruginous Hawk
A rare and large hawk in Oregon. It prefers open grasslands and deserts. They have rusty-colored wings and a pale belly. These hawks are powerful hunters and mostly eat small mammals like rabbits and squirrels.
Size
Length: 22–27 in (56–69 cm)
Wingspan: 52–56 in (132–142 cm)
Weight: 2.0–4.5 lbs (900–2050 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
6. Northern Harrier
Easily recognized by their owl-like face and the white patch on their rump. These hawks fly low over marshes and fields, listening as well as watching for prey. They are often seen gliding in a V-shape.
Size
Length: 16–20 in (41–52 cm)
Wingspan: 38–48 in (97–122 cm)
Weight: 10–26 oz (290–740 g)
Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
7. Broad-winged Hawk
These hawks pass through Oregon during migration. They are secretive and prefer forested areas. Their short tails and broad wings help them soar in large groups called “kettles.”
Size
Length: 13.5–17.5 in (34–44 cm)
Wingspan: 33 in (84 cm)
Weight: 16 oz (450 g)
Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
Colorado’s vast skies and varied landscapes offer a spectacular stage for observing a wide array of hawk species. From the common and widespread Red-tailed Hawk to the unique migratory patterns of the Swainson’s Hawk, these raptors showcase a remarkable diversity of hunting styles and habitats. The seasonal presence of winter visitors like the Rough-legged Hawk and the specialized prairie hunting of the Ferruginous Hawk make every outing a unique opportunity. Whether soaring over the mountains or gliding low over the plains, these magnificent birds add an element of wild beauty and action to the Centennial State’s natural scenery.
Where to Spot Hawks in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse habitats provide numerous opportunities to observe these fascinating hawk species:
Red-tailed Hawk: Extremely common and widespread across all of Colorado. Look for them soaring over highways, open plains, foothills, and farmlands, or perched on telephone poles and fence posts throughout the state.
Swainson’s Hawk: A summer resident and long-distance migrant, primarily found on the eastern plains of Colorado. Look for them during the breeding season in open grasslands and agricultural areas, and watch for large migratory groups (“kettles”) in the fall.
Ferruginous Hawk: Primarily a resident of eastern Colorado’s open prairies, grasslands, and high desert regions. These large hawks are often seen soaring or perched on fence posts and power poles in these open habitats.
Cooper’s Hawk: A skilled forest hunter, common in wooded areas, suburban neighborhoods, and parks. Look for them darting through trees in pursuit of smaller birds, especially near areas with dense tree cover.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Like the Cooper’s Hawk, these smaller raptors are found in wooded habitats and suburban areas. They are often seen around backyard bird feeders, especially in winter, where they hunt their prey with quick ambushes.
Rough-legged Hawk: A winter visitor (October-April) from the Arctic. Look for them in open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields across Colorado, especially on the eastern plains. They often hover in place while hunting.
Northern Harrier: Easily recognized by their low, gliding flight with wings in a “V” shape. They are common in marshes, wetlands, and open grasslands throughout the state. Look for the distinctive white rump patch as they drift over fields.
Hawk watching in Colorado is full of action and variety.
Which one of these skilled hunters have you spotted lately?