9 Hawks in Alberta: Identification and Regional Occurrence

Alberta supports nine species of hawks, reflecting the province’s strong contrast between open prairie, wetlands, forested regions, and major migration corridors along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. These include a core group of broad-winged, open-country buteos and forest-adapted accipiters, along with the Northern Harrier, a distinctive species whose structure and hunting behavior differ markedly from other hawks. This guide provides identification notes and province-specific context on habitat use, regional distribution, and seasonal occurrence for hawks found in Alberta.

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

• Identification: Large, stout-bodied buteo with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail; many adults show a reddish upper tail and dark marks along the leading edge of the underwing.
• Where found: Widespread year-round across Alberta in open landscapes with nearby trees or elevated perches, from grasslands and parkland to forest edges, foothills, and mountain valleys.
• How to spot: Look for a broad-winged hawk perched along roadsides on poles, fence posts, or isolated trees, or soaring slowly in wide circles over open country; often detected by its hoarse, rising scream.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with regional shifts in relative abundance but no overall provincial decline.

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread and familiar hawk in Alberta and is often the first raptor noticed by new birders across the province. It measures 45 to 65 centimeters (17.7 to 25.6 inches) in length and has a heavy, thick-chested body with broad wings and classic buteo proportions. Many adults show a reddish upper tail that contrasts with darker flight feathers, while overall plumage varies from medium brown above to paler below with darker markings across the underparts. The species’ robust structure and broad wings give it a powerful, steady appearance well suited to soaring and perch hunting in open terrain.

In the field, Red-tailed Hawks are most often identified by their behavior and imposing silhouette. Individuals commonly hunt from elevated perches such as utility poles, fence posts, shelterbelt trees, and isolated poplars, scanning the ground for prey before dropping in a controlled dive. Flight is typically slow and deliberate, with heavy wingbeats and frequent soaring on thermals or ridge updrafts; birds may also hover briefly while facing into strong winds. The species’ familiar hoarse scream is frequently heard over open country and is often given by soaring birds. Diet in Alberta consists mainly of small to medium-sized mammals, particularly rodents, with birds and other vertebrates taken opportunistically.

This species occurs in every Natural Region of Alberta and shows one of the most uniform distributions of any large raptor in the province. It is especially abundant in the Parkland Natural Region, particularly in the broad transition zone between Edmonton and Calgary, where open agricultural land is interspersed with wooded patches and shelterbelts. Red-tailed Hawks are also widespread across the Grassland Natural Region of southern Alberta, including areas around Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, where planted trees and riparian corridors provide nesting and perching sites. They occur throughout the Boreal Forest, Foothills, and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions, where they are most often found along forest edges, river valleys, cutblocks, and open mountain valleys rather than deep, continuous forest. The species breeds widely across the province and is present year-round, especially in southern Alberta, with northern birds shifting south in winter.

Red-tailed Hawks are considered Secure in Alberta, with long-term monitoring indicating overall stability at the provincial scale. Atlas data show increases in relative abundance in the Grassland and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions and declines in the Boreal Forest, Foothills, and Parkland regions, patterns that appear to offset one another when viewed across the province as a whole. These regional shifts may be linked to changes in prey availability associated with climate variation, land use, and habitat structure, including wetter conditions in southern grasslands and drier periods farther north during the Atlas survey period. Despite these localized changes, provincial and national surveys detect no significant long-term decline in Alberta, and the species continues to benefit from fragmented landscapes that combine open hunting areas with scattered trees for nesting and perching.

Swainson’s Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

• Identification: Medium-large buteo with a slim body, long, tapered wings, and a grayish, narrowly banded tail; many light birds show a dark chest “bib” and strong contrast between pale wing linings and dark flight feathers.
• Where found: Breeds mainly in open grassland and agricultural landscapes of southern Alberta, occurring much less frequently in parkland and foothills, and largely absent from forested regions.
• How to spot: Watch for a buoyant, long-winged hawk soaring with wings held in a shallow “V,” perched on poles or low trees in open country, or gathering in large soaring flocks during migration.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with documented regional variation in abundance and sensitivity to prey availability and conditions on wintering grounds.

The Swainson’s Hawk is one of Alberta’s most distinctive open-country hawks and among the province’s most notable long-distance migrants. The species measures 48 to 56 centimeters (18.9 to 22.0 inches) in length and appears slimmer and longer-winged than most other buteos encountered in the province. The body is relatively narrow, the wings are elongated and tapered, and perched birds often show wing tips that reach to or slightly beyond the tail tip. Many individuals appear pale below with a contrasting dark or reddish-brown chest band, while overall coloration is less mottled than in Red-tailed Hawk, giving the species a cleaner, more streamlined look in open landscapes.

In the field, Swainson’s Hawks are often recognized by their flight style and behavior. They soar gracefully on thermals with the wings held in a shallow dihedral, producing a buoyant, almost effortless flight profile that can resemble that of a Turkey Vulture at a distance. On the breeding grounds, individuals frequently hunt from low perches such as fence posts, poles, shrubs, or isolated trees, and also course low over grassland while searching for prey. They regularly drop to the ground to pursue insects and small mammals, sometimes running short distances while flapping or holding the wings partly raised. Diet in southern Alberta is strongly tied to Richardson’s Ground Squirrels during the breeding season, supplemented by other small vertebrates and large insects, especially grasshoppers later in summer. Vocalizations are most often heard near nesting areas and include a high, shrill scream.

In Alberta, the Swainson’s Hawk is found in every Natural Region except the Canadian Shield, but its distribution is strongly concentrated in the Grassland Natural Region of the south. The species is most numerous in open prairie and agricultural areas of southern Alberta, including regions around Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Hanna, and surrounding rural landscapes where ground squirrels are abundant and scattered trees or shrubs provide nest sites. It occurs occasionally in the Parkland Natural Region, but is infrequent in the Foothills and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions, and rare in the southern portion of the Boreal Forest Natural Region. Breeding is localized and uneven outside the grasslands, reflecting the species’ reliance on open hunting areas combined with low trees or shrubs for nesting. Swainson’s Hawk is a long-distance migrant, departing Alberta in late summer and returning primarily between late April and early May.

Across the province, the Swainson’s Hawk shows regional variation in abundance rather than a uniform trend. Atlas and Breeding Bird Survey data indicate declines in relative abundance in the Parkland and Boreal Forest Natural Regions, while no significant changes were detected in the Grassland, Foothills, or Rocky Mountain regions. Provincial declines detected between 1985 and 2005 mirror patterns observed across Canada during the same period and are linked in part to large-scale poisoning events on the South American wintering grounds. Following restrictions on harmful pesticides, national populations have rebounded, and the species is currently considered Secure in Alberta. Nonetheless, reduced recovery at the northern edge of the breeding range, including parts of northern Alberta, highlights the species’ continued dependence on stable ground squirrel populations and suitable open nesting landscapes, as well as its vulnerability to conditions beyond the breeding season.

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

• Identification: Large buteo with long, narrow wings, a relatively long tail, and fully feathered legs; light morphs often show dark carpal patches and a bold dark tail band.
• Where found: Common migrant and winter visitor across Alberta, especially in open landscapes of the southern prairies, parkland, and broad river valleys.
• How to spot: Watch for a slow-flying hawk hovering into the wind over fields or wetlands, or perched on poles, fence posts, or low trees in open country.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with winter numbers fluctuating annually in response to prey availability and Arctic breeding conditions.

The Rough-legged Hawk is Alberta’s characteristic winter buteo and one of the most regularly encountered hawks during the colder months. It measures 45 to 63 centimeters (17.7 to 24.8 inches) in length and appears large and somewhat lanky, with long wings, a long tail, and a proportionately small bill and feet. Fully feathered legs extending to the toes are a distinctive structural feature and reflect the species’ adaptation to cold climates. Plumage varies widely from very pale to very dark, but most individuals show strong wing and tail contrasts that give the species a bold, crisp appearance in flight.

In the field, Rough-legged Hawks are most easily identified by their flight style and hunting behavior. They fly slowly with flexible wingbeats and often soar with wings held in a shallow dihedral. A hallmark behavior is prolonged hovering, or “kiting,” into the wind while scanning the ground for prey, a technique used more frequently and for longer periods than by most other Alberta buteos. Birds regularly hunt from the air but also from perches such as utility poles, fence posts, rocks, and isolated trees. During the non-breeding season in Alberta, their diet consists mainly of small mammals, including voles, mice, ground squirrels, and hares, with birds taken more often when mammal prey is scarce. Away from breeding areas, the species is generally quiet.

Rough-legged Hawks do not breed in Alberta. They nest far to the north across Arctic tundra and northern taiga and move south after the breeding season. In Alberta, the species is primarily present from October through April, with peak numbers typically occurring in late fall and winter. Migration through the province follows major north-south corridors, including areas along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and across southeastern Alberta, where large numbers pass sites such as Windy Point near Calgary. Wintering birds are most common in open habitats of the Grassland and Parkland Natural Regions, including agricultural plains, native prairie, wetlands, and wide river valleys. In mild winters, some individuals may remain in southern Alberta for the entire season, while in harsher years many continue farther south.

The Rough-legged Hawk is considered Secure in Alberta, and long-term data indicate no sustained provincial decline. Winter abundance varies widely from year to year, reflecting fluctuations in small-mammal populations and conditions on Arctic breeding grounds. National monitoring based largely on winter counts shows overall stability since the 1970s, despite pronounced short-term variability and shifts in winter distribution. In Alberta, the species remains a regular and sometimes abundant winter presence wherever large, open hunting areas persist and prey remains accessible, though individuals face seasonal risks such as vehicle collisions and other human-related hazards common to wintering raptors.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

• Identification: Small accipiter with short, rounded wings, a long, often square-tipped tail, and long, thin yellow legs; adults are blue-gray above with rufous barring below.
• Where found: Widespread across most of Alberta in forested and wooded habitats, but largely absent from southeastern Alberta except for the Cypress Hills.
• How to spot: Most often detected during migration at hawkwatches or as a sudden, fast-moving hawk using a flap-and-glide flight style along forest edges; small birds often react loudly when it appears near feeders.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with stable overall trends but regional variation in relative abundance.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk found in Alberta, rarely detected outside brief, fast flights along woodland edges. It measures 24 to 34 centimeters (9.4 to 13.4 inches) in length and has a slim body, short rounded wings, and a long tail that supports rapid maneuvering through dense vegetation. Adults are blue-gray above with pale underparts marked by fine rufous barring, a pattern that, combined with the species’ small head and long, thin legs, helps distinguish it from larger accipiters at close range. The overall structure reflects a strong specialization for hunting in wooded environments.

In the field, Sharp-shinned Hawks are usually encountered briefly, often as a sudden burst of motion followed by quick disappearance into cover. Their flight consists of several rapid wingbeats followed by a short glide, producing a snappy, agile profile that is especially noticeable along forest edges, shelterbelts, and riparian corridors. When hunting, they rely on surprise and speed, darting through trees or along edges to pursue prey, using the long tail as a rudder to change direction abruptly. The diet is dominated by small birds, particularly songbirds, though small mammals and other vertebrates are taken occasionally. Vocalizations are seldom heard away from nesting areas, contributing to the species’ reputation as difficult to detect during the breeding season.

In Alberta, the Sharp-shinned Hawk occurs in all Natural Regions except the Canadian Shield and is distributed across much of the province where suitable woodland habitat exists. It is widespread in the Boreal Forest, Parkland, Foothills, and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions, and occurs locally in the Grassland Natural Region primarily along riparian corridors and wooded coulees. The species is largely absent from southeastern Alberta, with the notable exception of the Cypress Hills, where forested conditions support regular occurrence. Breeding takes place in dense forests, but breeding birds are rarely detected due to secretive behavior. Many individuals migrate south in autumn, while others remain within the province or nearby regions, making the species present in Alberta throughout the year, though most conspicuous during spring and fall migration.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is considered Secure in Alberta. Atlas data show declines in relative abundance in the Boreal Forest and Foothills Natural Regions, alongside increases in the Grassland and Parkland regions, patterns that may reflect shifts in prey availability, habitat conditions, or migratory detection rather than true population change. Breeding Bird Survey data detected no significant change in abundance in Alberta or across Canada between 1985 and 2005, though sample sizes were small. National monitoring indicates long-term recovery following historical declines, with more recent fluctuations returning populations toward late 1980s levels. In Alberta, continued presence depends on the maintenance of healthy forest structure and adequate small-bird prey populations, as well as the interpretation of regional trends in light of the species’ highly secretive breeding behavior.

Cooper’s Hawk

Astur cooperii

• Identification: Medium-sized accipiter with broad, rounded wings and a long, rounded tail; adults are blue-gray above with broad rufous barring below and a pale undertail.
• Where found: Widely distributed across central and southern Alberta in wooded habitats, including forests, riparian corridors, shelterbelts, and urban areas, reaching north to the southern Boreal Forest NR.
• How to spot: Look for a stealthy woodland hawk flying with a flap-flap-glide pattern along forest edges or through neighborhoods, or listen near nests for repeated sharp “cak-cak-cak” alarm calls.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with stable overall abundance and strong representation in both natural and human-altered landscapes.

The Cooper’s Hawk is a widespread forest species and one of the hawks most often encountered in wooded towns and suburban neighborhoods. It measures 37 to 45 centimeters (14.6 to 17.7 inches) in length and has the classic accipiter profile, with short, rounded wings and a long, rounded tail adapted for fast, agile flight through trees. Adults show blue-gray upperparts and clean white underparts marked by broad rufous barring, giving the species a crisp, high-contrast appearance in good light. Compared with Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk shows a longer, more rounded tail with a broad white terminal band and a larger head that is clearly visible ahead of the wings in flight, giving it a heavier-headed, broader-shouldered appearance.

In the field, Cooper’s Hawks are most often detected by their movement rather than prolonged views. They typically fly with several quick, stiff wingbeats followed by a short glide, a flap-flap-glide rhythm that is especially noticeable along forest edges, through ravines, or across residential green spaces. When hunting, they move low and fast, using trees, shrubs, and even buildings as cover before accelerating in a sudden pursuit. The species’ alarm call, a rapid and repeated “cak-cak-cak,” is frequently heard near nesting areas. The diet in the province is dominated by birds, particularly small to medium-sized songbirds and doves, with small mammals taken opportunistically.

In Alberta, the Cooper’s Hawk is distributed across much of the province from the United States border north to areas around Slave Lake and Fort McMurray, with records extending slightly farther north in earlier surveys. It occurs in all Natural Regions except the Canadian Shield and is most frequently reported in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region, a pattern influenced in part by concentrated migration monitoring in the Kananaskis area. The species also breeds regularly in the Boreal Forest, Foothills, Parkland, and Grassland Natural Regions, where it favors mature forest, fragmented woodlots, riparian corridors, and shelterbelts. Large numbers are reported around major urban centres such as Edmonton and Calgary, reflecting the species’ ability to exploit human-altered habitats with abundant prey. Cooper’s Hawks are present in Alberta year-round, though some individuals migrate south in winter while others remain, particularly in southern and urban areas.

The species is considered Secure in Alberta. Atlas data detected a decline in relative abundance in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, though no clear biological cause has been identified and Breeding Bird Survey data show no significant change in abundance at either the provincial or national scale. Apparent increases in some regions, particularly the Rocky Mountain Natural Region, are likely influenced by changes in monitoring effort rather than true population growth. Nationally, the Cooper’s Hawk has shown little overall change since 1970 and remains within its population goal range. In Alberta, its continued success is linked to the availability of wooded nesting sites and a steady supply of avian prey, both of which remain widespread across much of the province.

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

• Identification: Large, powerful accipiter with broad wings, a long rounded tail, a bold white eyebrow, and finely barred gray underparts in adults.
• Where found: Primarily associated with mature forests of northern and central Alberta and the foothills, with very limited occurrence in open or heavily fragmented landscapes.
• How to spot: Most often detected by loud, repeated alarm calls near nest areas or by a sudden burst of strong, fast flight through dense forest; rarely seen around towns or suburban areas.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Sensitive in Alberta due to dependence on mature forest and declines in relative abundance in some regions.

The American Goshawk is Alberta’s largest accipiter and the most powerful forest hawk regularly occurring in the province. It measures 53 to 64 centimeters (20.9 to 25.2 inches) in length and has a deep-chested body, broad wings, and a long, rounded tail that provide strength and control during fast flight in wooded environments. Adults show cool gray upperparts and pale gray underparts marked with fine horizontal barring, along with a bold white eyebrow that contrasts strongly with the darker crown and gives the species an intense expression. Its heavy build and broad shoulders set it apart from other forest hawks.

In the field, American Goshawks are recognized by their flight, which follows the typical accipiter pattern of several strong wingbeats followed by a glide, but is deeper and more forceful than that of smaller accipiters. Within forests, the species moves with speed and precision, threading through trees while pursuing prey or launching sudden attacks from concealed perches. Near nests, adults are highly vocal and aggressively defensive, giving rapid, repeated alarm calls and sometimes swooping at intruders. The diet includes a wide range of medium-sized mammals and birds, such as tree and ground squirrels, hares, grouse, woodpeckers, and corvids, reflecting its role as a top predator in forest ecosystems.

In Alberta, the American Goshawk occurs mainly across northern and central regions and south through the foothills, reaching areas as far north as Slave Lake and Fort McMurray. It is most closely associated with mature mixedwood and coniferous forests with high canopy closure, conditions that are widespread in the Boreal Forest and Foothills Natural Regions. Occurrence in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region is well documented, though reporting rates there are strongly influenced by targeted raptor monitoring in the Kananaskis area. The species is almost absent from the Grassland and Parkland Natural Regions, where extensive open landscapes and fragmented forest provide little suitable nesting habitat. Most individuals remain within or near their breeding areas year-round, though some undertake short-distance movements, especially in response to prey availability.

The American Goshawk is considered Sensitive in Alberta. Atlas data indicate declines in relative abundance in the Boreal Forest and Foothills Natural Regions, patterns that are most plausibly linked to intensive industrial development and associated loss or degradation of mature forest habitat. No comparable changes were detected in other regions, though detectability varies widely due to the species’ secretive behavior. Standard roadside surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey are poorly suited to monitoring this forest-interior hawk, and no Alberta-specific BBS trend is available. Nationally, populations appear stable, but in Alberta the species’ reliance on older forest stands and large, contiguous woodland continues to make it vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and disturbance near nest sites.

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

• Identification: Very large, heavy-bodied buteo with broad wings, a large head, and long wings; light birds show pale underparts and a distinctive rufous “V” formed by the legs in flight.
• Where found: Restricted to open landscapes of southern Alberta, especially native grasslands and lightly modified prairie.
• How to spot: Scan wide-open country for a massive, pale hawk soaring with wings held slightly raised or perched on fence posts, poles, rocks, or the ground, often hunting low over grassland.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); listed as Threatened nationally in Canada and considered At Risk in Alberta due to habitat loss, disturbance, and prey dependence.

The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk found in Alberta, an imposing buteo of the province’s open prairie landscapes. It measures 56 to 69 centimeters (22.0 to 27.2 inches) in length and has a broad chest, large head, and long wings that give it a powerful, elongated profile in flight. Light-morph adults, which make up the majority of individuals in Alberta, appear very pale below, with sparse spotting on the belly and a distinctive rusty “V” created by the rufous legs and lower belly feathers when seen from below. The upperparts show warm ferruginous tones on the shoulders and back, contrasting with the pale head and tail, while dark-morph birds are much rarer and appear deep brown overall with lighter flight feathers.

In the field, Ferruginous Hawks are often identified by their size, pale coloration, and hunting behavior. They soar and circle over grassland with wings held slightly uptilted, frequently working low over the ground and occasionally hovering briefly into the wind. Perched birds commonly use fence posts, utility poles, rock outcrops, artificial nest platforms, or even the ground itself as hunting vantage points. The species relies heavily on terrestrial prey, and in southern Alberta its diet is dominated by Richardson’s Ground Squirrel, which accounts for the vast majority of prey biomass during the breeding season, with pocket gophers and jackrabbits taken less frequently.

In Alberta, the Ferruginous Hawk is confined to the southern portion of the province and is most strongly associated with the Grassland Natural Region, where it occupies native prairie, grazed rangeland, and open agricultural landscapes with intact prey populations. Occasional records occur in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region, particularly near Crowsnest Pass and the Cypress Hills, and very rarely in the Parkland Natural Region, reflecting limited use of transitional habitats. The species is completely migratory in Alberta, with birds typically arriving in March or April and departing by late summer or early autumn. Migration routes from Alberta generally track southeast through Montana and the Dakotas before continuing south into the central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

The Ferruginous Hawk remains one of Alberta’s most conservation-sensitive raptors. Atlas data indicate increased relative abundance in the Grassland Natural Region, likely reflecting targeted habitat management and the widespread installation of artificial nesting platforms across southern Alberta. Despite these localized gains, the species remains vulnerable to disturbance at nest sites, loss and fragmentation of native prairie, and reductions in key prey populations. Breeding Bird Survey data show no significant change in abundance within Alberta or Canada overall, but the species’ small population size and dependence on intact grassland ecosystems underpin its At Risk status in the province. Continued conservation efforts focused on prairie preservation, prey management, and nest-site protection are essential to maintaining Alberta’s Ferruginous Hawk population.

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

• Identification: Small, compact buteo with broad wings and a short tail marked by bold black-and-white bands; adults often show warm rufous barring below.
• Where found: Uncommon and patchily distributed breeder across Alberta, primarily in mature deciduous and mixed forests.
• How to spot: Most often detected by its high, two-parted whistled call from forest canopy or by brief soaring above wooded areas in summer.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Sensitive in Alberta due to reliance on mature and old-growth forest habitat.

The Broad-winged Hawk is Alberta’s smallest buteo and one of the province’s least frequently encountered breeding hawks. It measures 34 to 44 centimeters (13.4 to 17.3 inches) in length and has a compact, stocky body with broad wings and a relatively short tail. Overall plumage is brown above and paler below, often with warm rufous barring across the underparts, while the tail shows a distinctive pattern of bold pale and dark bands that can be visible even in flight. Its small size, rounded wings, and short tail give it a compact silhouette compared with other North American buteos.

In the field, Broad-winged Hawks are most often detected by voice. The species gives a piercing, two-parted whistle, commonly rendered as “pee-eee,” which carries well above forest canopies and is frequently the first sign of its presence. Individuals may soar briefly above wooded territory during the breeding season but otherwise remain inconspicuous within forest interiors, hunting from concealed perches near openings or edges. In Alberta, the diet of nestlings is dominated by small mammals, particularly voles, with birds such as young grouse also taken, reflecting the species’ association with moist, mature forest habitats.

Broad-winged Hawks breed in Alberta but are generally considered rare and unevenly distributed across the province. Atlas data show that the species has been recorded in every Natural Region, yet its occurrence is closely tied to the availability of mature and old-growth forest. Reporting rates are highest in the Boreal Forest, Foothills, and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions, although no confirmed or probable breeding records were documented in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region during the second atlas period. Occurrence is lower in the Parkland and Grassland Natural Regions, where suitable forest habitat is more fragmented. The species is a long-distance migrant and is primarily present in Alberta between April and October, departing the province entirely during the non-breeding season.

The species is considered Sensitive in Alberta because its preferred breeding habitat of mature and old-growth forest continues to decline in availability. Atlas results indicate an apparent increase in relative abundance in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, though this is likely attributable to improved survey coverage rather than a true population increase. A decline was detected in the Parkland Natural Region, while no clear changes were observed elsewhere in the province. Nationally, the Broad-winged Hawk shows a long-term increase in Canada, but provincial monitoring in Alberta remains limited, and its patchy distribution and habitat specialization make it vulnerable to continued forest loss and fragmentation.

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

• Identification: Slender, long-winged raptor with a long tail, long legs, an owlish facial disc, and a bold white rump patch; males are gray above while females and immatures are brown.
• Where found: Widespread across Alberta in open landscapes, especially grasslands, wetlands, and marshy meadows, occurring in all Natural Regions.
• How to spot: Watch for a low, slow, coursing flight over fields and wetlands with wings held in a strong “V,” weaving back and forth and showing the white rump patch.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with evidence of long-term decline linked to wetland loss.

The Northern Harrier, also known as the Marsh Hawk, is a distinctive open-country raptor that differs strongly from Alberta’s broad-winged buteos in both structure and hunting style. It measures 46 to 50 centimeters (18.1 to 19.7 inches) in length and has a slim body, long wings and tail, and long, slender legs adapted for low, searching flight over open ground. All ages show a conspicuous white rump patch, and the face often appears owlish due to a facial ruff. Adult males are gray above and mostly pale below with black wingtips, while adult females and immatures are brown above and buffy to rufous below, making sex and age classes readily distinguishable in the field.

Most Northern Harriers in Alberta are detected in flight, as the species hunts by coursing low over open habitats rather than perching conspicuously. Individuals typically fly slowly and close to the ground, weaving back and forth with a combination of heavy wingbeats and buoyant glides, usually holding the wings in a strong dihedral above the horizontal. Brief hovering is sometimes observed, particularly when scanning dense vegetation. The species hunts primarily on the wing, using both vision and hearing to locate prey concealed in grasses or sedges. Diet is strongly focused on small mammals, especially voles, though birds and other prey are taken opportunistically depending on availability.

Northern Harriers are found throughout Alberta and have been recorded in all Natural Regions, with no change in overall distribution between atlas periods. The species nests on the ground in open areas, typically near wetlands, marshes, or wet meadows. Reporting rates are highest in the Grassland Natural Region, where extensive open habitat and shallow wetlands are widespread and detection is easier during hunting flights. Occurrence is lower in the Boreal Forest, Parkland, and Foothills Natural Regions, where suitable open habitat is more fragmented. The species breeds widely in Alberta and is most frequently observed during the breeding season and migration periods, with local movements influenced by prey availability and snow cover.

Northern Harrier abundance in Alberta shows mixed regional patterns rather than a clear province-wide trend. Atlas results indicate increases in relative abundance in the Grassland and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions and declines in the Boreal Forest, Parkland, and Foothills regions, changes that may reflect shifting habitat conditions and survey coverage rather than true population growth. Long-term monitoring through the Breeding Bird Survey indicates a decline in Alberta and across Canada since the mid-1980s, with reductions most strongly associated with the loss and degradation of wetland habitats. Although more recent assessments list the species as Secure in Alberta, ongoing declines across much of its range and continued threats to wetlands mean that maintenance and protection of open wetland and grassland habitats remain critical for the species’ long-term persistence in the province.

Where and When to See Hawks in Alberta

Hawks can be observed in Alberta throughout the year, but spring and fall migration offer the greatest diversity and visibility. From late March through May, returning migrants move north through river valleys, foothills, and open prairie, while September and October bring concentrated southbound movements, especially of long-distance migrants such as Swainson’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Rough-legged Hawk. Winter hawk watching is also productive in open southern landscapes, where species such as Red-tailed Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk remain active as long as prey is accessible. Summer observations are more localized and habitat-specific, focusing on breeding territories in grasslands, wetlands, forest edges, and mature woodland.

Alberta’s ecological diversity strongly shapes where hawks are found. Open grasslands and agricultural plains support the highest densities of large soaring buteos and harriers, while wetlands and marshy meadows are essential for Northern Harrier. Forested regions, including the Boreal Forest, foothills, and mountain valleys, host accipiters and forest-associated buteos, though these species are often detected by behavior or calls rather than prolonged views. Elevated terrain along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains creates natural migration corridors and uplift conditions that concentrate moving hawks, making these areas especially valuable during peak migration periods.

Notable Hawk-Watching Locations in Alberta

• Windy Point – One of the province’s best-known migration watch sites, particularly in spring and fall, with regular movements of buteos, accipiters, and eagles.
• Kananaskis Valley – A broad migration corridor along the eastern slopes, offering multiple vantage points for soaring hawks.
• Cypress Hills – A forested island within the grasslands that supports accipiters and migrating hawks otherwise scarce in southeastern Alberta.
• Elk Island National Park – Productive for Red-tailed Hawks, accipiters, and seasonal migrants along forest–parkland edges.
• Little Fish Lake Provincial Park – Noted for Ferruginous Hawk and other grassland raptors in open prairie landscapes.
• Medicine Hat area – Surrounding prairie and river valleys provide excellent habitat for Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and wintering buteos.
• Red Deer River valley – A major linear feature used by migrating and wintering hawks across central and southern Alberta.
• Peace River lowlands – Productive for forest and edge-associated hawks in the northern part of the province.

For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of hawks in North America, and explore the Birds of Alberta and Birds of Canada pages for additional regional and national bird guides.