Idaho’s vast landscapes, from its rugged mountains to sprawling grasslands, are home to a remarkable variety of hawks. These majestic birds of prey can be seen soaring through the sky, hunting with incredible precision, and exhibiting behaviors that captivate birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The state’s diverse ecosystems provide a rich habitat for nine distinct species of hawks, each with unique characteristics and lifestyles. Whether it’s the widespread Red-tailed Hawk, known for its distinctive reddish tail, or the agile Sharp-shinned Hawk, often spotted near bird feeders, Idaho’s hawks offer endless opportunities for observation and study.
These birds not only enhance the natural beauty of Idaho but also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, controlling rodent populations, and contributing to the health of the environment. Join me as we explore the fascinating world of Idaho’s hawks, uncovering the secrets of their behavior, migration patterns, and more.
1. Red-Tailed Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
- Weight: 31.8-51.5 oz (900-1460 g)
- Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in (114-133 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most recognizable birds of prey in North America, found throughout the continent from Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama. These hawks are known for their broad, rounded wings and characteristic red tail, which is particularly prominent in adults.
Their plumage can vary widely, ranging from a rich brown to nearly white, with a streaked belly band and a pale underbelly. Often seen perched along highways or soaring in wide circles, Red-tailed Hawks are a common sight in a variety of habitats including deserts, grasslands, forests, and urban areas.
Red-tailed Hawks are known for their impressive nesting habits, typically selecting tall trees or cliff ledges as their nesting sites. These raptors often reuse nests from previous years, refurbishing them with fresh twigs, leaves, and bark. Both the male and female participate in building or repairing the nest, which can be quite large, sometimes up to 3 feet in diameter.
The nest is usually lined with softer materials such as grass, moss, and even pine needles, providing a comfortable environment for their eggs. The female lays 1 to 3 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them, a process that lasts about a month. After hatching, the chicks are cared for and fed by both parents until they fledge at around 6 to 7 weeks old.
The diet of Red-tailed Hawks is diverse and adaptable, making them successful hunters in various habitats. Primarily, they feed on small to medium-sized mammals, with rodents like voles, mice, and rabbits being common prey. They are also known to hunt birds, reptiles, and even insects when necessary.
Red-tailed Hawks are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of whatever prey is most abundant in their territory. They are often seen perched high in trees or on utility poles, scanning the ground below for movement. When they spot potential prey, they dive swiftly, using their powerful talons to capture it.
Red-tailed Hawks have a stable population across North America, thanks in part to their adaptability to different environments, including urban areas. Historically, these hawks faced threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans who considered them pests. However, conservation efforts and legal protections, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, have helped their numbers remain robust.
Organizations like the Audubon Society and various wildlife rehabilitation centers work to protect their habitats and provide care for injured birds. Public education campaigns have also improved awareness and reduced negative interactions between humans and Red-tailed Hawks.
2. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: 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)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. These hawks are known for their sleek, agile bodies and sharp hunting skills.
They have a bluish-gray back, a reddish-brown barred chest, and a long, rounded tail with dark bands. Often seen darting through forests and wooded areas, Cooper’s Hawks are adept at navigating dense tree cover. Their fierce, predatory gaze and powerful flight make them a formidable presence in their habitats, which range from deep forests to suburban backyards.
Cooper’s Hawks prefer to nest in deciduous and mixed forests, often selecting sites in tall trees with dense foliage to conceal their nests. These raptors build their nests with sticks, lining them with softer materials such as bark flakes, leaves, and even fur. Both the male and female participate in the construction, which can take up to two weeks.
The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated primarily by her while the male provides food. Incubation lasts about 30 to 35 days, and once the chicks hatch, both parents share the responsibility of feeding them. The young hawks fledge approximately 4 to 5 weeks after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Cooper’s Hawks are adept hunters, specializing in capturing birds and small mammals. Their diet primarily consists of medium-sized birds such as doves, pigeons, and songbirds, but they also prey on small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. These hawks are known for their stealth and agility, often hunting from a concealed perch before launching a swift, surprise attack. They are capable of navigating through dense foliage at high speeds, using their short, rounded wings and long tail to manoeuvre.
Cooper’s Hawks have shown resilience in the face of human expansion, adapting to suburban and urban environments where they can find ample prey. Historically, their populations declined due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, particularly DDT, which affected their reproduction. However, with the ban on DDT and improved legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, their numbers have rebounded.
Conservation efforts now focus on habitat preservation and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, such as managing their presence in backyard bird feeders where they may prey on smaller birds.
3. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter striatus
- Life span: 5 years
- Size: 9.4-13.4 in (24-34 cm)
- Weight: 3.1-7.7 oz (87-218 g)
- Wingspan: 16.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest hawk in North America, with a range that extends from Canada and the United States to Central America. These nimble raptors are known for their short, rounded wings and long, narrow tails with a squared-off tip. They have a blue-gray back and a pale, reddish-barred chest.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are often seen darting through dense forests, using their agility to surprise prey. Their flight is characterized by a series of quick flaps followed by a short glide, and they are frequently spotted during migration periods, flying low over wooded areas.
Sharp-shinned Hawks prefer nesting in dense coniferous or mixed forests, often at higher elevations. They build their nests in thick cover, typically in the crotch of a tree or on a branch close to the trunk, making them well-concealed. The nests are constructed from twigs and lined with bark strips, moss, and feathers.
The female lays 3 to 8 eggs, and both parents share the incubation duties, which last about 30 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed by both parents, with the male often bringing food to the nest while the female guards and cares for the young. The fledglings leave the nest around 3 to 4 weeks after hatching but continue to rely on their parents for food for several more weeks.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are agile and skilled hunters, primarily preying on small birds, which make up the majority of their diet. They are known to hunt near bird feeders, taking advantage of the congregations of songbirds. In addition to birds, they occasionally eat small mammals, insects, and reptiles.
Sharp-shinned Hawks use a combination of stealth and speed to capture their prey, often launching surprise attacks from concealed perches. Their short, rounded wings and long tail enable them to manoeuvre quickly through dense vegetation, making them highly effective hunters in forested environments.
Sharp-shinned Hawks have faced challenges due to habitat loss and the impacts of pesticide use, particularly in the mid-20th century. The banning of harmful pesticides like DDT has contributed to the recovery of their populations. Today, conservation efforts focus on preserving their forest habitats and monitoring population trends to ensure their continued health.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which helps safeguard their populations from hunting and habitat destruction. Ongoing research and monitoring are essential to understand the long-term impacts of environmental changes on these hawks.
4. Rough-Legged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lagopus
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 18-20 in (46-51 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-3.25 lbs (680-1470g)
- Wingspan: 52-54 inches (132-137 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Rough-legged Hawks are Arctic breeders that migrate south to spend the winter in the lower 48 states of the U.S., including Idaho. These hawks are recognized by their feathered legs, which help them stay warm in their cold habitats. They have a dark brown plumage with pale undersides and distinctive dark patches on the wrists of their wings.
Rough-legged Hawks are often seen hovering over open fields and tundra, using their keen eyesight to spot prey. Their wide, soaring wings and habit of perching on utility poles make them a common sight in their wintering grounds.
Rough-legged Hawks have unique nesting habits, typically breeding in the Arctic tundra. They build their nests on cliff ledges or steep slopes, using sticks and lining them with softer materials such as grass, moss, and feathers. Both males and females participate in nest construction.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, and she primarily incubates them for about a month while the male provides food. After the eggs hatch, both parents care for the chicks, feeding them and protecting the nest from predators. The young hawks fledge around 5 to 6 weeks after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for some time as they learn to hunt.
Rough-legged Hawks have a diet that varies with the seasons and their location. During the breeding season in the Arctic, they primarily feed on small mammals such as lemmings and voles. In their wintering grounds, which include the lower 48 states, their diet expands to include other small mammals, birds, and carrion.
These hawks are known for their distinctive hunting technique of hovering in place while scanning the ground for prey. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot potential meals from great heights, and they use their powerful talons to capture their prey.
The Rough-legged Hawk is considered a species of least concern, but it still faces threats from habitat loss and climate change, particularly in its Arctic breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Organizations like BirdLife International and the World Wildlife Fund work to monitor Rough-legged Hawk populations and advocate for policies that protect their environments.
Public education and citizen science initiatives, such as the Christmas Bird Count, help gather data on these hawks and raise awareness about their conservation needs.
5. Northern Goshawk
- Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 24-29 in (61-74 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-3 lbs (680-1360g)
- Wingspan: 45-52 in (114-132 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Northern Goshawks are powerful, elusive raptors that inhabit dense forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. In Idaho, they can be found in mountainous and heavily forested areas. These hawks are recognized by their slate-gray upperparts, pale underparts with fine barring, and piercing red eyes.
Their broad wings and long tail allow them to manoeuvre swiftly through trees in pursuit of prey. Northern Goshawks are known for their fierce and aggressive nature, often defending their nesting territory vigorously. Their presence is a testament to the health of the forest ecosystems they inhabit.
Northern Goshawks prefer to nest in mature forests, often selecting large coniferous or deciduous trees for their nest sites. These nests are substantial structures made of sticks and lined with bark, leaves, and feathers. Both the male and female are involved in building or refurbishing the nest, which is typically located high in the tree canopy to provide a strategic vantage point.
The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for about 30 to 35 days while the male provides food. After the chicks hatch, both parents share the responsibility of feeding and protecting them until they fledge at around 35 to 40 days old.
Northern Goshawks are powerful and agile hunters, preying primarily on birds and small mammals. Their diet includes species such as grouse, squirrels, and rabbits. These raptors are known for their stealth and speed, often ambushing prey from a concealed perch or chasing it through dense forest. They use their strong talons to capture and kill their prey, and their broad wings and long tail allow them to manoeuvre quickly through trees.
Northern Goshawks have faced habitat loss due to logging and development, particularly in mature forests where they prefer to nest. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting these critical habitats and ensuring sustainable forest management practices. Organizations such as the Audubon Society and various forestry agencies work to monitor Northern Goshawk populations and advocate for policies that support their conservation.
Legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state wildlife regulations have also helped safeguard these raptors from hunting and habitat destruction.
6. Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
- Weight: 12-26 ounces (350-740 g)
- Wingspan: 40-48 inches (100-122 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a striking bird of prey found in the eastern and southeastern United States. It is easily recognized by its rich, reddish-brown shoulders, dark and light banded wings, and tail. The underparts are pale with a reddish wash and fine barring. Red-shouldered Hawks inhabit deciduous woodlands, often near rivers and swamps.
They are known for their loud, distinctive “kee-aah” call, which echoes through the forests they inhabit. These hawks are often seen perched in trees or gliding over wooded areas, making them a common sight in their range.
Red-shouldered Hawks are meticulous nest builders, often selecting deciduous woodlands near rivers, swamps, or wetlands for their nests. These hawks prefer large trees with a strong canopy cover, providing a strategic and secure site for their young. The nests are constructed from sticks and are lined with softer materials like moss, leaves, and bark to create a comfortable environment for their eggs.
Both the male and female participate in building the nest, which can take several weeks to complete. The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 28 to 33 days. Once hatched, the chicks are cared for diligently by both parents, remaining in the nest for about 5 to 6 weeks before fledging.
Red-shouldered Hawks have a diverse and adaptable diet that includes small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They are opportunistic hunters, often observed perching silently in wait or soaring above forests and wetlands, scanning for potential prey. Their sharp vision allows them to spot even the slightest movements below.
Common prey items include mice, voles, frogs, snakes, and occasionally, smaller birds. They are known for their hunting prowess, often diving swiftly to capture prey with their powerful talons.
Red-shouldered Hawks have experienced population fluctuations due to habitat loss and degradation. Historically, deforestation and wetland drainage posed significant threats to their preferred nesting and hunting grounds. However, legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act have helped stabilize their populations.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring wetland and forest habitats critical for their survival. Organizations such as the Audubon Society and local wildlife agencies work to protect these areas through land acquisition and habitat restoration projects.
7. Swainson’s Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo swainsoni
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Size: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
- Weight: 1.4-2.4 pounds (650-1,100 g)
- Wingspan: 47-59 inches (119-150 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Swainson’s Hawk is a migratory bird that breeds in the open country of western North America, from the central plains to the west coast, and winters in South America. They are recognized by their long, pointed wings and pale underparts with a distinctive dark bib on their chest. The upperparts are generally brown with some white markings.
Swainson’s Hawks are often seen gliding gracefully over grasslands and agricultural fields, making them a familiar presence in the wide-open spaces of their range. During migration, they gather in large flocks, providing spectacular aerial displays.
Swainson’s Hawks are highly social during the breeding season, often nesting in loose colonies. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands and agricultural fields, choosing nesting sites in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground in some cases. The nests are constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials like grass and leaves.
Both the male and female contribute to building the nest, and the female typically lays 2 to 3 eggs. Incubation lasts about a month, with the female primarily responsible for keeping the eggs warm while the male provides food. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents until they are ready to fledge, usually around 4 to 6 weeks of age.
Swainson’s Hawks have a diet that varies significantly with the seasons. During the breeding season in North America, they primarily hunt small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, and insects. Grasshoppers and crickets are particularly favored, and large flocks of these hawks can be seen feeding on insect swarms.
Outside of the breeding season, especially during their migration to South America, their diet shifts more towards insects and small reptiles. Swainson’s Hawks are adept hunters, often seen soaring high in the sky or perching on fence posts and utility poles, scanning for prey.
Swainson’s Hawks have faced significant challenges, particularly due to pesticide use in their wintering grounds in South America. These pesticides have caused substantial mortality rates during migration. Conservation efforts have included international cooperation to reduce pesticide use and protect critical habitats along their migratory route.
Organizations such as The Peregrine Fund have been instrumental in these efforts, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and habitat preservation. Education campaigns in both North and South America aim to raise awareness about the hawk’s plight and the importance of conservation.
8. Broad-Winged Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo platypterus
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: 13.4-17.3 in (34-44 cm)
- Weight: 9.3-19.8 oz (265-560 g)
- Wingspan: 31.9-39.4 in (81-100 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Broad-winged Hawks are small buteo hawks that breed in the eastern United States and migrate to Central and South America for the winter. They are known for their stocky build, short broad wings, and banded tail. Their plumage is generally brown above with a light belly and dark horizontal bars on the chest.
During migration, Broad-winged Hawks form large flocks, or kettles, often numbering in the thousands. These impressive migratory gatherings are a highlight for birdwatchers. In their breeding range, they prefer deciduous or mixed forests near water.
Broad-Winged Hawks prefer to nest in deciduous or mixed forests, often choosing secluded areas near water sources. They build their nests in the forks of trees, using sticks and lining them with soft materials like moss, leaves, and feathers. Both the male and female participate in constructing the nest, which can take several weeks to complete.
The female typically lays 2 to 3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 28 to 31 days. After the eggs hatch, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents and remain in the nest for about 5 to 6 weeks before fledging.
Broad-Winged Hawks have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. They are adept hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from a high perch. Once they locate a target, they swoop down swiftly to capture it with their talons. In addition to hunting from perches, Broad-Winged Hawks also hunt while soaring, particularly during migration. Their diet changes seasonally, with a higher reliance on insects and amphibians during the summer months.
Broad-Winged Hawks have benefited from legal protections and conservation efforts aimed at preserving their forest habitats. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has played a crucial role in safeguarding these raptors from hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation organizations like the Audubon Society and local wildlife groups work to protect the forests that Broad-Winged Hawks depend on, promoting sustainable forestry practices and habitat restoration.
9. Ferruginous Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo regalis
- Life span: Up to 20 years
- Size: 22-27 inches (56-69 cm)
- Weight: 2.6-4.4 pounds (1.2-2 kg)
- Wingspan: 52-55 inches (132-140 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest hawk in North America, is found primarily in the open deserts and prairies of the western United States. These majestic birds have a striking appearance with their rusty-red back and shoulders, pale underparts, and large, powerful wings. They are often seen perched on the ground or soaring high above the plains.
The Ferruginous Hawk’s impressive wingspan and robust build make them well-suited for their wide-open habitats, where they can often be seen soaring in search of prey or resting on elevated perches.
Ferruginous Hawks are known for their large, conspicuous nests built on the ground or in isolated trees and shrubs in open country. These nests are constructed from sticks, often lined with grass, weeds, and other soft materials. Both the male and female are involved in building the nest, which can be reused and expanded year after year.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents share the incubation duties, which last about 32 to 33 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed and protected by both parents until they fledge, usually around 5 to 6 weeks of age.
The Ferruginous Hawk’s diet is primarily composed of small to medium-sized mammals, particularly ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rabbits. They are also known to eat birds, reptiles, and insects when available. These hawks hunt by soaring high above open fields and grasslands, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great distances.
Once they locate a target, they dive swiftly to capture it with their powerful talons. Ferruginous Hawks are adept hunters, capable of taking down larger prey than many other raptors.
Ferruginous Hawks have experienced population declines due to habitat loss and degradation, particularly in the open grasslands and prairies they prefer. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting these critical habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and the American Bird Conservancy work to preserve large tracts of open land and advocate for policies that benefit Ferruginous Hawks and other grassland species. Legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and various state laws have also helped safeguard these hawks from hunting and other threats.
10. Northern Harrier
- Scientific name: Circus hudsonius
- Life span: 5 – 7 years
- Size: 18-24 in / 45-61 cm
- Weight: 12.3-26.5 oz / 350-750 g
- Wingspan: 40-48 in / 100-122 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Northern Harrier is a unique hawk with an extensive range across North America, from the Arctic tundra to Central America. They are easily identified by their owl-like facial disk, long wings, and distinctive white rump patch. Males are typically gray with black wingtips, while females are brown with streaked underparts.
Northern Harriers are commonly seen flying low over marshes, grasslands, and fields, using their keen hearing and vision to hunt. Their graceful, buoyant flight and characteristic V-shaped wing posture make them a distinctive sight in their preferred open habitats.
Northern Harriers have unique nesting habits compared to other hawks. They typically build their nests on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation such as tall grasses or marsh reeds. The nests are constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials like grass, leaves, and feathers.
The female lays 4 to 6 eggs, and she alone incubates them for about a month while the male provides food. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents, with the male continuing to hunt and deliver food to the nest. The young harriers fledge about 4 to 5 weeks after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Northern Harriers have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They are known for their distinctive hunting style, flying low over fields and marshes with their wings held in a V-shape, using both their keen eyesight and hearing to locate prey.
They often hover or circle before dropping down to capture their target. Voles and mice are common prey items, but they also hunt small birds, frogs, and insects. Their ability to adapt their hunting techniques to different environments and prey types makes them versatile predators.
Northern Harriers have faced challenges due to habitat loss and degradation, particularly in wetland areas where they often nest and hunt. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving and restoring these critical habitats to support their populations.
Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society have been instrumental in protecting large tracts of grasslands and wetlands that are essential for Northern Harriers. Legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act have also helped safeguard these birds from hunting and other threats.
Where to find Hawks in Idaho
Finding hawks in Idaho is an adventure that takes you through some of the state’s most stunning natural landscapes. To spot these magnificent birds, you’ll need a pair of binoculars, a field guide, and a bit of patience. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe hawks as they hunt and soar.
- Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area: Located southwest of Boise, this area is one of the best places in North America to see birds of prey. Here, you can spot a variety of hawks, including Red-tailed Hawks and Swainson’s Hawks, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
- Sawtooth National Forest: This expansive forest in central Idaho is home to Northern Goshawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Hiking through the dense coniferous forests gives you a good chance of spotting these elusive raptors.
- Camas National Wildlife Refuge: Situated in southeastern Idaho, this refuge is a haven for Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks. The wetlands and open fields provide an ideal hunting ground for these species, particularly during the winter months.
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: On the border of Idaho and Oregon, this area offers breathtaking scenery and excellent hawk-watching opportunities. You can spot Ferruginous Hawks and other raptors soaring over the canyon, especially in the early mornings.
To maximize your hawk-watching experience, visit these areas during peak migration seasons in the spring and fall. Keep an eye on the skies, use a birding app to help with identification, and enjoy the thrill of seeing these powerful birds in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
Exploring the diverse hawks of Idaho offers a glimpse into the state’s rich natural heritage. From the majestic Red-tailed Hawk to the elusive Northern Goshawk, each species contributes to the ecosystem’s balance. Observing these raptors in their varied habitats highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these magnificent birds.
