9 Types of Hawks in Kansas

Have you ever spotted a hawk soaring in the sky and wondered what types of hawks are found in Kansas?

Kansas has various hawk species, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.

Hawks are birds of prey known for their sharp talons and keen eyesight.

They play a vital role in the ecosystem, preying on rodents and other small animals.

In Kansas, hawks can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply curious about the hawks in your area, it’s important to identify the different types in Kansas.

In our article, we’ll examine some of the most common types of hawks in Kansas state, their physical characteristics, and their unique behaviors.

1. Cooper’s Hawk

This is the first on our list of hawk types in Kansas. Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk.

They are known for their distinctive features, such as a rounded tail, broad wings, and a narrow head.

These hawks are often seen perched on trees or soaring high in the sky, searching for prey.

Cooper’s Hawks are skilled hunters known to prey on small birds, mammals, and even reptiles.

They are known to be quite aggressive in their hunting techniques and are often seen chasing their prey through trees and shrubs.

These types of hawks are a sight to behold and are common sights for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in Kansas.

2. Northern Goshawk

Kansas is home to various hawks, including the Northern Goshawk.

These majestic birds of prey are known for their impressive hunting abilities and are often sought after by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The northern goshawk is a type of hawk found in Kansas. These hawks are known for their large size and powerful talons, which they use to capture their prey. 

They are also known for their distinctive coloring, which includes a gray body, black head, and white eyebrows.

Northern Goshawks are typically found in forested areas, hunting for small mammals, birds, and other prey. 

While Northern Goshawks are not as common types of hawks in Kansas, they can still be seen in the wild.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts may be able to spot these impressive birds in areas such as the Flint Hills or the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Northern Goshawk in Kansas, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

3. Broad-Winged Hawk

Hawks are a common sight in the skies of Kansas, and the Broad-winged Hawk is one of the many species that call this state home.

Known for their broad wings and keen eyesight, these types of hawks in Kansas are fascinating.

The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized hawk that can be found in Kansas during the breeding season.

They are known for their distinctive call, a high-pitched whistle that can be heard from afar.

These hawks are also known for their broad wings, which allow them to soar effortlessly through the air as they search for prey. 

They typically feed on small mammals and reptiles but also eat insects and other birds if necessary.

During migration, these types of hawks can be seen in large flocks in Kansas as they make their way south for the winter.

In Kansas, the Broad-winged Hawk is one of several species of hawks that can be found.

Other common species include the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and the Northern Harrier. 

Each of these hawks has unique characteristics and behaviors, making them fascinating to observe in the wild.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher or enjoy spending time in nature, the hawks of Kansas are sure to capture your attention and leave you in awe of their beauty and power.

4. Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous Hawk is one of Kansas’s largest and most powerful hawks.

These birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive rust-colored feathers on their legs and underparts, contrasting with their white and brown upper parts.

Ferruginous Hawks can be found in open prairies and grasslands, where they hunt for prey such as rabbits, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels.

They are also known for their impressive hunting skills, using their sharp talons to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air.

Despite being a common sight in Kansas, Ferruginous Hawks are also threatened due to habitat loss and other human activities.

5. Osprey

Ospreys are also one of the types of hawks in Kansas. They are also known as fish hawks because their primary diet is fish.

Ospreys are unique in their ability to dive into the water and catch fish with their talons. 

Ospreys can have a wingspan of up to six feet and weigh up to four pounds. They are typically found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.

Ospreys are a migratory species that travel long distances to breed and feed.

They typically migrate to Kansas during the spring and summer and can nest in tall trees or man-made structures such as power poles. 

Ospreys are an important part of the ecosystem in Kansas. They help control the fish population and provide food for other predators, such as eagles and owls.

If you are lucky enough to spot an osprey in Kansas, take a moment to appreciate this magnificent bird in action.

6. Swanson’s Hawk

This is the next on our list of hawk types in Kansas. Swainson’s Hawks reside in Kansas during the spring and summer months.

These birds of prey are known for their impressive hunting skills and can often be seen soaring through the skies in search of their next meal.

Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, reptiles, and insects, and they are also known to feed on carrion. 

Swainson’s Hawks are easily identifiable by their distinctive white underparts, dark wings, and rusty red tails.

These types of hawks in Kansas are considered a symbol of conservation success.

Their populations have rebounded in recent years thanks to conservation efforts to protect their breeding and wintering habitats.

7. Rough-legged Hawk

Rough-legged Hawks are one of the many types of hawks in Kansas.

These birds of prey are known for their distinctive features, such as their feathered legs that extend to their toes.

They are also known for their keen eyesight, which allows them to spot prey from great distances.

During the winter months, Rough-legged Hawks can be seen in Kansas as they migrate from their breeding grounds in the Arctic.

They often hunt small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, which are found in Kansas’s open fields and prairies.

With their impressive wingspan and powerful talons, Rough-legged Hawks are formidable predators and a sight to behold in the Kansas skies.

8. Sharp-Shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small but fierce bird of prey that can be found across Kansas.

It is one of Kansas’s smallest types of hawk, measuring only 10-14 inches long and with a wingspan of 20-27 inches.

Despite its small size, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is a skilled hunter, preying on small birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

One of the distinguishing features of the Sharp-shinned Hawk is its long, narrow tail and short, rounded wings.

It also has a distinctive facial expression, with a fierce, determined look in its eyes.

This hawk is common in wooded areas, where it can be seen darting through the trees in pursuit of its prey.

While it may be small, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is a formidable predator and an important part of the Kansas ecosystem.

9. Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk comes last on our list of types of hawks in Kansas.

These birds of prey are known for their striking appearance, with a rusty-red tail and a wingspan that can reach up to four feet.

They are typically found in open areas, such as fields and prairies, where they hunt for small mammals like rodents and rabbits.

Red-tailed Hawks are also known for their distinctive call, often heard during their soaring flights.

While they are common in Kansas, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and other factors.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect these majestic types of hawks in Kansas and ensure their continued presence in the state’s ecosystem.