Have you ever been hiking in Colorado and spotted a majestic hawk soaring above you? Did you wonder about the types of hawks in Colorado?
Colorado has diverse hawk species, each with unique characteristics and habits.
The state of Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Hawks, in particular, are a common sight in the skies above the Rocky Mountains.
It’s important to know their differences and how to identify them.
1. Variable Hawk
Hawks are one of the most fascinating birds of prey in the world, and Colorado is home to several species of hawks. Among them, the Variable Hawk is one of Colorado’s unique and interesting types worth exploring. The Variable Hawk, also known as the Red-backed Hawk, is a medium-sized bird of prey commonly found in the western regions of North and South America.
In Colorado, the Variable Hawk is a year-round resident, and it is often seen soaring over open fields and grasslands in search of prey. This hawk is known for its distinctive coloration, which varies from dark brown to reddish-brown, with a striking red or orange back.
The Variable Hawk is an opportunistic hunter that feeds on various prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also known for its distinctive vocalizations, which can be heard from a distance as it soars high in the sky.
The Variable Hawk is often confused with the Swainson’s Hawk, another species commonly found in the region. However, the Variable Hawk can be distinguished by its smaller size, shorter wingspan, and distinctive coloration.
This hawk is an important part of the ecosystem in Colorado, and it plays a crucial role in controlling the populations of small mammals and birds. If you are a bird enthusiast or a nature lover, watch for the Variable Hawk the next time you are in Colorado.
2. Rough-Legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawks are one of the several types of hawks in Colorado. These majestic birds are known for their striking appearance, white and brown feathers, and large wingspan. They are also known for their distinctive hovering flight pattern, which allows them to scan the ground for prey.
During winter, Rough-legged Hawks migrate to Colorado from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. They can often be seen perched on telephone poles or hovering over fields in search of small mammals, such as mice and voles. While they are not as common as other types of hawks in Colorado, their unique appearance and behavior make them a fascinating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
3. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Colorado is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species, including hawks. One of Colorado’s most common types of hawks is the Sharp-shinned hawk.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile bird of prey known for its quick movements and sharp talons. It is often mistaken for its larger cousin, the Cooper’s Hawk, but can be distinguished by its shorter wings and tail. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a year-round resident of Colorado and can be seen throughout the state, from the mountains to the plains.
A skilled hunter preys on smaller birds, such as sparrows and finches, and small mammals, like mice and voles. Its preferred habitat includes forests and woodlands, where it can easily hide and hunt prey. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is an important part of Colorado’s ecosystem, as it helps to keep populations of smaller birds and mammals in check.
However, it is also susceptible to habitat loss and hunting threats. To ensure the survival of this species, it is important to protect their habitats and educate the public about the importance of conservation. By doing so, we can continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Colorado’s wildlife for generations to come.
4. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed hawk is one of the most common hawks in Colorado. These majestic types of hawks in Colorado of prey can be easily identified by their distinctive red tail feathers, often visible in flight. They have a wingspan of up to four feet and are known for their keen eyesight, which allows them to spot prey from great distances.
Red-tailed Hawks are year-round residents in Colorado, and they can be found in various habitats, from grasslands to mountain forests. They are carnivorous and feed on prey, including rodents, rabbits, and snakes.
These hawks are also known for their hunting skills, which involve soaring high in the sky and swooping down on their prey with incredible speed and accuracy. With their impressive size and striking appearance, the Red-tailed Hawk is a fascinating species that is worth keeping an eye out for when exploring the Colorado wilderness.
5. Swainson’s Hawk
Colorado is home to a diverse range of hawks, including the Swainson’s Hawk. This majestic bird of prey is known for its impressive size and striking coloration. Swainson’s Hawks are a medium-sized hawk species that typically measures 18-22 inches long. They have a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet, making them one of the larger hawks found in Colorado.
These types of hawks in Colorado are known for their distinctive coloration, which includes a brown back, white underparts, and a rufous-colored bib on their chest. They also have a dark band on their wings’ trailing edge, making them easy to identify in flight.
Swainson’s Hawks are common in Colorado during summer as they migrate to the state to breed. They are typically found in open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas where they hunt for prey, such as rodents, insects, and reptiles.
These hawks are also known for their impressive aerial displays, which include soaring, circling, and diving.
Overall, the Swainson’s Hawk is a fascinating and beautiful prey bird that symbolizes Colorado’s natural beauty.
6. Cooper’s Hawk
Colorado is home to a diverse range of bird species, including several types of hawks.
Cooper’s Hawk is one of these types of hawks in Colorado, known for its agility and hunting skills.
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized hawks that are commonly found in Colorado. They have a distinctive look, with a dark cap and blue-gray back feathers. Their underparts are white with fine, reddish-brown horizontal bars and long, rounded tails.
These types of hawks in Colorado are known for their speed and agility, which they use to catch prey such as birds and small mammals. Cooper’s Hawks are also known for their hunting technique, which involves diving through trees and bushes to surprise their prey. They are commonly found in forested areas and suburban parks, where they can easily find prey.
Cooper’s Hawks are fascinating birds to observe in Colorado. Their unique appearance and impressive hunting skills make them a true marvel of nature. If you ever get to see one of these hawks in action, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and skill.
7. Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk is a large bird of prey found in western North America, including Colorado. They are one of Colorado’s largest types of hawks, with a wingspan of up to 4 feet.
The Ferruginous Hawk is known for its distinctive coloring, with rusty-red black and white underparts. They also have a dark patch at the wrist of their wings and a pale head.
Their powerful beaks and talons make them skilled hunters, preying on small mammals such as rabbits and ground squirrels. Despite being a common sight in Colorado, the Ferruginous Hawk is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and other threats.
8. Northern Goshawk
Colorado is home to a diverse range of birds of prey, including several species of hawks. One such hawk is the Northern Goshawk, a formidable bird known for its impressive hunting skills and striking appearance.
The Northern Goshawk is a large hawk that can be found in the forests of Colorado. It has a distinctive appearance: a slate-gray back and wings, a white underbelly, and bright red eyes. Its size and sharp talons make it an impressive predator, capable of taking down prey as large as rabbits and squirrels.
The Northern Goshawk is known for its agility and speed, and it can often be seen flying low to the ground as it hunts for food. Despite its impressive hunting skills, this hawk is also known for its shy and elusive nature, making it a rare sight for birdwatchers in Colorado.
The Northern Goshawk is a fascinating bird of prey that adds to the rich diversity of hawks found in Colorado. With its striking appearance and impressive hunting skills, it is a bird that will surely capture the attention of anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it in the wild.
9. Broad-Winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk is common in Colorado, especially during the fall migration season. This species is known for its distinctive high-pitched whistle, which can be heard from afar.
The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized hawk with a wingspan of about 3 feet. It has a brown back, wings, white belly, and barred tail. Juvenile Broad-winged Hawks have a more mottled appearance, with a streaked head and chest.
These hawks are often seen perched on tree branches or soaring in circles overhead, scanning the ground for prey. In Colorado, the Broad-winged Hawk can be found in forests, woodlands, and other areas with dense vegetation. The Broad-winged Hawk is an important predator in Colorado’s ecosystem, helping control small mammals and bird populations.
Its migration patterns have also become a popular attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With its unique appearance and vocalizations, the Broad-winged Hawk is a fascinating addition to Colorado’s diverse population of hawks.
10. Common Black Hawk
The Common Black Hawk is one of Colorado’s many types of hawks. This hawk is easily recognizable due to its unique appearance. It has a distinctive black plumage with a white band on its tail and wings. The Common Black Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 4 feet. This hawk can typically be found near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
They are known for their impressive hunting abilities and often swoop to catch fish or other small prey. The Common Black Hawk is a fascinating, beautiful, powerful bird, making it a favorite for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
11. Red-Shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is one of the most common hawks in Colorado. These types of hawks in Colorado are easily recognizable by their distinctive reddish-brown shoulders and barred underparts. They have a wingspan of around three feet and are known for their agile flight, often swooping down to catch prey such as small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Red-shouldered Hawks are typically found in wooded areas near water sources, but they can also be seen in suburban areas and along highways. They are known for their loud vocalizations, which include a distinctive “kee-yer” call.
While not considered endangered, habitat loss and human activity can hurt their populations. As such, protecting the natural areas where these beautiful types of hawks in Colorado live and hunt is important.
Conclusion
Colorado has various hawk species, each with unique characteristics and behavior patterns. From the majestic and powerful Ferruginous Hawk to the agile and swift Cooper’s Hawk, these types of hawks in Colorado play an important role in the state’s ecosystem.
Whether you are a birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or appreciate the beauty of wildlife, exploring the diversity of types of hawks in Colorado is a fascinating and rewarding experience.
