Hawks are strong birds that can be found all over Wisconsin. They come in many sizes and colors. Some hawks live in Wisconsin all year, while others only visit during migration in spring and fall. Hawks are good hunters, and they usually eat small animals, birds, and insects. You can see them in forests, fields, and even near cities. Wisconsin is a great place for birdwatchers to see these amazing birds.
List of 15 hawks found in Wisconsin
| # | Hawk Name | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red-tailed Hawk | Large hawk with a distinctive red-brown tail; commonly seen in open fields and forests. |
| 2 | Cooper’s Hawk | Medium-sized, agile hawk that hunts small birds, often found in wooded areas. |
| 3 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small, fast hawk that hunts small birds, typically found in forests and gardens. |
| 4 | Northern Harrier | Low-flying hawk with a white underside; hunts small mammals in grasslands and wetlands. |
| 5 | Broad-winged Hawk | Small hawk, often seen during migration in large groups; hunts small mammals and birds. |
| 6 | Rough-legged Hawk | A winter visitor with feathers on its legs; hunts small mammals in open fields. |
| 7 | Swainson’s Hawk | Medium-sized hawk that migrates long distances; prefers open fields and hunts insects. |
| 8 | Ferruginous Hawk | One of the largest hawks; prefers open prairies and hunts small mammals. Rare in Wisconsin. |
| 9 | Northern Goshawk | Large, secretive hawk that hunts small birds and mammals in dense forests. |
| 10 | Peregrine Falcon | The fastest bird in the world; hunts smaller birds and can be found in urban areas. |
| 11 | Osprey | Fish-eating hawk often found near lakes and rivers; dives into water to catch fish. |
| 12 | Golden Eagle | Large, powerful hawk; hunts larger mammals and birds. Rare in Wisconsin. |
| 13 | Zone-tailed Hawk | Dark-colored hawk sometimes mistaken for a falcon; rare in Wisconsin during migration. |
| 14 | Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium-sized hawk with reddish shoulders; typically found in forests and wetlands. |
| 15 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Very small hawk that feeds mainly on small songbirds; often seen darting through trees. |
Hawks in Wisconsin: Details
Common Hawks in Wisconsin
Red-tailed Hawk
Size: 18-26 inches
Habitat: Open fields, forests, and suburban areas
Diet: Small mammals like rabbits and squirrels, birds, reptiles
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in Wisconsin. It is easy to recognize by its red-brown tail, which is the reason for its name. This hawk likes open areas like fields and forests, but it can also live near people’s homes. Red-tailed Hawks are great hunters and can often be seen perched on trees or power lines, scanning for food. They eat small mammals like rabbits and squirrels, as well as birds and even reptiles. You can see them all year in Wisconsin.
Cooper’s Hawk
Size: 14-20 inches
Habitat: Forests, wooded areas, and backyards
Diet: Small birds like sparrows, and sometimes squirrels
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey that is known for being fast and agile. It hunts by flying quickly through trees to catch small birds. It can also be found in backyards, where it hunts birds like sparrows and doves. Cooper’s Hawks like to live in forests and wooded areas. These hawks are fairly common in Wisconsin and can be seen year-round.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Size: 9-14 inches
Habitat: Woodlands and gardens
Diet: Small birds, insects
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is one of the smallest hawks in Wisconsin. It is very quick and is often seen darting through trees or flying low to the ground. Sharp-shinned Hawks mainly hunt small birds, like sparrows, and sometimes insects. They are often found in forests or gardens and can be spotted during migration seasons in spring and fall.
Northern Harrier
Size: 17-24 inches
Habitat: Wetlands, grasslands, and open fields
Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
The Northern Harrier is a unique hawk because it flies very low over the ground, looking for prey. It has a white underside, which makes it easy to identify. Northern Harriers hunt small mammals like mice, birds, and sometimes even reptiles. They are often found in wetland areas, fields, and grasslands, especially during the warmer months in Wisconsin.
Broad-winged Hawk
Size: 13-18 inches
Habitat: Forests and wooded areas
Diet: Small mammals, birds, and amphibians
The Broad-winged Hawk is a small hawk that is very common during migration seasons, especially in the fall. These hawks like to live in forests and wooded areas, where they hunt for small mammals like mice, birds, and even frogs. Broad-winged Hawks are known to migrate in large groups called “kettles,” and you may see them flying high in the sky in Wisconsin.
Osprey
Size: 21-24 inches
Habitat: Near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas
Diet: Fish
The Osprey is a fish-eating hawk that lives near water. These birds are often seen near lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, where they hunt for fish. Ospreys are excellent hunters and are able to dive into the water to catch fish with their sharp talons. They are commonly seen in Wisconsin during the warmer months.
Rare Hawks in Wisconsin
Ferruginous Hawk
Size: 22-27 inches
Habitat: Open grasslands and prairies
Diet: Small mammals like ground squirrels
The Ferruginous Hawk is one of the largest hawks you’ll find in Wisconsin, but it is very rare. It likes wide, open spaces like prairies and grasslands, where it hunts small mammals, especially ground squirrels. The Ferruginous Hawk has beautiful, pale-colored feathers and is sometimes seen during migration. It’s not as common as other hawks in Wisconsin, but it’s an amazing bird to spot if you’re lucky.
Golden Eagle
Size: 26-40 inches
Habitat: Open fields, cliffs, and mountains
Diet: Medium to large mammals, birds
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest hawks in the world, and although it’s rare in Wisconsin, it can sometimes be spotted in the state. These hawks live in open fields, cliffs, and mountains and hunt large mammals like rabbits, groundhogs, and even deer. Golden Eagles are strong and powerful, known for their ability to take down much larger prey than most other hawks.
Northern Goshawk
Size: 20-26 inches
Habitat: Dense forests
Diet: Small birds, mammals, and sometimes amphibians
The Northern Goshawk is a large hawk that lives in Wisconsin’s dense forests. It is a strong and fast hunter, often catching small birds, squirrels, and even frogs. Northern Goshawks are shy and secretive, so they are harder to spot than other hawks. They usually remain in forests and are more common during the winter months.
Migratory Hawks in Wisconsin
Swainson’s Hawk
Size: 18-22 inches
Habitat: Grasslands and fields
Diet: Insects like grasshoppers, and small mammals
The Swainson’s Hawk is known for its long migrations. It migrates thousands of miles to find food, and during migration, you can spot it in Wisconsin. These hawks prefer open areas like grasslands and fields, where they hunt insects like grasshoppers and small mammals. Swainson’s Hawks are rare in Wisconsin, but you can see them during the spring and fall.
Rough-legged Hawk
Size: 18-24 inches
Habitat: Open fields, grasslands, and tundra (mainly winter visitor)
Diet: Small mammals like voles and birds
The Rough-legged Hawk is a winter visitor to Wisconsin, often arriving from the north. It likes to hunt in open areas like fields and grasslands, where it looks for small mammals like voles and mice. These hawks have feathers on their legs, which is why they’re called “rough-legged.” You can spot them in Wisconsin during the colder months.
Peregrine Falcon
Size: 13-23 inches
Habitat: Tall buildings, cliffs, and bridges
Diet: Small birds like pigeons
The Peregrine Falcon is a member of the hawk family and can be found in Wisconsin, especially in urban areas. These birds are known for being the fastest animals on the planet, diving at speeds of over 200 miles per hour to catch small birds like pigeons. Peregrine Falcons like to nest on tall buildings or bridges and are often spotted in cities or along the shores of lakes.
Black Hawks in Wisconsin
While Wisconsin is home to several species of hawks, black hawks are relatively rare. Here are the black hawk species that may be found in the state:
- Swainson’s Hawk
Although not entirely black, this hawk has dark plumage and can appear blackish from a distance. It is more commonly seen during migration seasons in spring and fall. - Zone-tailed Hawk
This species has dark, almost black feathers and is sometimes mistaken for a falcon. It is a rare visitor to Wisconsin, typically spotted during migration. - Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk has a darker, rusty-colored back and wings, giving it a blackish appearance. While it is more common in the western U.S., it has been spotted in Wisconsin, especially during migration periods.
Best Time to Watch Hawks in Wisconsin
If you’re a birdwatcher in Wisconsin and want to spot hawks, there are specific times of the year when you’re most likely to see them. Hawks can be found throughout the year, but certain seasons offer the best opportunities to observe these magnificent birds.
Fall Migration (September to November)
The fall migration is one of the best times to watch hawks in Wisconsin. During this time, many hawk species, including Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks, migrate south for the winter. These hawks often travel in large groups called “kettles,” and it’s an exciting sight to see them soaring in the sky.
Best locations:
- Horicon Marsh
- Lake Michigan shorelines
- Apostle Islands
Spring Migration (March to May)
The spring migration is another great time to watch hawks as they return to Wisconsin after spending the winter in warmer places. Hawks that breed in Wisconsin or nearby areas, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk, start to make their way back during this time.
Best locations:
- Kettle Moraine State Forest
- Brady’s Bluff
- Devil’s Lake State Park
Winter (December to February)
While hawks are harder to spot during the coldest months, Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Goshawks are winter visitors in Wisconsin. These species prefer open fields, grasslands, and forests, so you might still be able to spot them on clear, cold days.
Best locations:
- Tundra regions (for Rough-legged Hawks)
- Woodlands (for Northern Goshawks)
Summer (June to August)
Though summer is not the peak time for hawk migration, it’s still possible to see Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks in their nesting areas. Many hawks remain in Wisconsin during the summer to breed and raise their young.
Best locations:
- Rural farmlands
- Wooded areas
Tips for Watching Hawks:
- Look high in the sky: Hawks often soar at great heights, scanning the ground for prey. Keep an eye out for hawks riding thermals, especially in fall and spring.
- Visit migration hotspots: Certain areas in Wisconsin are well-known for hawk migrations, so these are your best bets for seeing large groups of hawks.
- Be patient: Sometimes, you may need to wait for hawks to appear, but if you’re in a good spot during migration times, you’re likely to see them flying overhead.
So, the best times to watch hawks in Wisconsin are during migration seasons in the fall and spring. These are the times when hawks are most active and most visible as they travel through the state.
Can You Hunt Hawks in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, it is illegal to hunt hawks. Hawks, like all birds of prey, are protected by both state and federal laws. These laws are in place to help conserve hawk populations and ensure that these important birds of prey continue to thrive in the wild.
Why Are Hawks Protected?
- Federal Protection:
Hawks, along with other birds of prey, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. This law makes it illegal to hunt, kill, or capture any migratory birds, including hawks, without a special permit. The MBTA was created to protect birds that travel between countries, including hawks that migrate between the United States and Canada, or even further. - State Protection:
In addition to federal law, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also protects hawks and other birds of prey in the state. These birds are considered protected wildlife, and it is illegal to hunt, trap, or harm them.
What Happens If You Hunt Hawks?
If someone is caught hunting or harming a hawk in Wisconsin, they could face serious consequences, including fines and legal charges. Penalties for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act can be severe, with fines up to $15,000 for individuals and even higher for organizations or businesses.
Why Should We Protect Hawks?
Hawks play a very important role in nature. They help keep the populations of small mammals, birds, and insects in check, which helps maintain balance in the ecosystem. By eating rodents and other small animals, hawks prevent these species from growing too large and damaging crops or spreading disease.
Since hawks are also part of the food chain, they help keep the ecosystem healthy by controlling the populations of animals that they hunt.
Can You Observe Hawks?
While you can’t hunt hawks, you can enjoy watching them in the wild! Birdwatching is a great way to learn more about these incredible hunters. Wisconsin has many places where you can spot hawks, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. You can watch hawks as they soar through the sky or hunt for their prey.
Birdwatching in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a great place for birdwatching because there are many different types of birds that live here or pass through. The state has forests, lakes, marshes, and fields where birds like to live. You can see lots of different birds throughout the year, whether they’re living here or just stopping by on their way to other places.
Best Places to See Birds in Wisconsin
- Horicon Marsh
Horicon Marsh is one of the biggest wetlands in the United States. It’s a popular place for birds, especially in spring and fall when many birds migrate. You can see ducks, geese, and sometimes even Sandhill Cranes! - Kettle Moraine State Forest
This is a big forest in southern Wisconsin. It’s a good place to see birds that live in forests. You might spot Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, and Scarlet Tanagers. Many birds also stop here when they migrate in the spring and fall. - Lake Michigan Shoreline
The shores of Lake Michigan are a great place for birdwatching. Birds like the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle can be seen along the lake, especially during migration seasons. There are also smaller birds, like songbirds, flying around. - Devil’s Lake State Park
This park in central Wisconsin is a nice spot to see birds in the woods and near the cliffs. You might see Owls, Hawks, and Bluebirds. It’s a good place to watch birds all year long. - Schmeeckle Reserve
Schmeeckle Reserve is near the city of Stevens Point. It has forests, wetlands, and fields, making it a great place to see many different types of birds. Birds like Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, and Warblers live here. It’s a great place to visit during migration seasons.
When to See Birds in Wisconsin
- Spring and Fall: In these seasons, many birds are flying to other places. You can see lots of different birds like Warblers, Swallows, and Hawks as they pass through Wisconsin.
- Summer: Summer is a great time to see birds that live in Wisconsin, like Hummingbirds, Orioles, and Blackbirds.
- Winter: Even in the winter, you can see birds. Bald Eagles, Owls, and Redpolls are often seen in the colder months.
Wisconsin is a great place to watch birds. Whether you are looking for birds that live here or those just passing through, you can find many different kinds in the state’s forests, lakes, and fields.
Conclusion: Hawks in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of hawks, offering great opportunities for birdwatchers to observe these incredible birds of prey. From the large and common Red-tailed Hawk to the rare Golden Eagle, hawks can be spotted throughout the state, especially during migration seasons in the fall and spring. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, Wisconsin’s forests, fields, wetlands, and even urban areas provide diverse habitats for different hawk species.
Hawks play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of small mammals, birds, and insects. Observing these birds not only helps us appreciate their beauty and strength but also gives us a glimpse into nature’s delicate balance.
So, if you’re looking to spot hawks in Wisconsin, remember that the best times are during migration seasons. Whether you’re in the woods or near open fields, keep an eye on the skies for these skilled hunters.
FAQs: Hawks in Wisconsin
1. When is the best time to watch hawks in Wisconsin?
The best times are during fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) migrations.
2. Can I see hawks in Wisconsin all year round?
Yes, some hawks like the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk stay year-round.
3. What do hawks eat in Wisconsin?
Hawks eat small mammals, birds, insects, and sometimes fish.
4. Where can I see hawks in Wisconsin?
Hawks can be seen in forests, fields, wetlands, and near lakes.
5. Are hawks protected in Wisconsin?
Yes, hawks are protected by law and cannot be harmed without a permit.
6. How can I identify hawks in Wisconsin?
Look for their size, colors, and behavior. For example, Red-tailed Hawks have red tails.
7. Are any hawks rare in Wisconsin?
Yes, hawks like the Ferruginous Hawk and Golden Eagle are rare in Wisconsin.