Hawks in Utah: Notable Species to Spot

When you explore Utah's wide-open areas, you can see many different hawks. Some of the most common hawks include the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper's Hawk. Each of these birds plays a special part in nature. Watching how they hunt and act can teach you a lot about them. Which hawk do you think you will enjoy watching the most?

A Quick Overview

In Utah, you can see many types of hawks. Here are some that you might spot:

• The Red-tailed Hawk has big wings and is often seen flying high over open fields in Utah. It's easy to recognize because of its size and color.
• The Cooper's Hawk is known for its pretty blue-gray feathers. It is quick and likes to hunt small birds. You usually see it flying alone.
• The Ferruginous Hawk has beautiful reddish feathers. It lives in Utah's grasslands and is very protective of its home.
• The Swainson's Hawk flies gracefully and is known for its long migration. Every winter, it travels all the way from North America to Argentina.
• The American Kestrel is a small hawk with bright colors. It has a special way of hunting that includes hovering in the air. You can see it in grasslands and parks around Utah.

Keep your eyes open, and you might just spot these amazing birds!

Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a beautiful bird of prey. It has large wings and a sharp gaze that catches your eye.

These hawks live in many places, including open fields and busy cities, especially in Utah. They're interesting to watch because they hunt by flying high in the sky and looking for small animals on the ground.

You can often see them sitting on branches, carefully watching for any movement. This ability to live in different areas helps them to thrive, whether in deserts or near roads.

Their loud, raspy call can be heard in the air, adding to the wild experience of being outdoors.

Learning about the Red-tailed Hawk helps you connect with nature. Watching this majestic bird makes you appreciate the beauty of the skies in Utah even more.

Cooper's Hawk

Have you ever seen a Cooper's Hawk in your yard or flying through the trees? This bird is really good at flying and looks great, too! When it hunts, it moves quickly and in surprising ways to catch its food.

Cooper's Hawks mainly eat small birds and little animals. They catch their meals using fast and careful movements. They usually hunt alone and rely on being quiet and quick.

If you watch for them, you can spot their rounded tails and blue-gray feathers. Seeing a Cooper's Hawk can help you understand more about nature and feel a stronger connection to the outdoors around you.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks look similar, but they've some important differences.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is known for its quick and agile flying. It zips through trees to catch smaller birds. You can spot their fast, darting movements as they hunt.

When they build nests, Sharp-shinned Hawks usually choose coniferous trees. They make their nests using sticks and line them with softer materials, creating a cozy spot for their baby hawks.

You might see them in different places like parks and even neighborhoods.

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawks are big birds found in North America. They're easy to spot in Utah because they fly high above open grasslands and sagebrush. Their colors, which are a mix of brown and reddish hues, help them blend in with these areas.

When you hike, keep an eye out for them in the sky!

These hawks are also interesting to watch. They hunt in open spaces, using their sharp eyesight to find small animals. Ferruginous Hawks are strong and protective of their territory.

During courtship, they show off impressive flying patterns.

Swainson's Hawk

Swainson's Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey you can find in Utah. It has long wings and flies gracefully in the sky. Its feathers are brown on the top and light below, making it easy to spot.

These hawks like to build their nests in trees or on things that people have built, like power poles. This makes it easier for you to see them. If you watch closely, you might see them flying huge distances.

They travel all the way from North America to Argentina for winter. That's a long way to go!

Seeing Swainson's Hawks in their habitat adds to your enjoyment of Utah's nature. It helps you connect with the amazing wildlife around you. So, keep your eyes open for these beautiful birds!

Rough-legged Hawk

The Rough-legged Hawk is a stunning bird that you can see against Utah's wide-open sky. It has a mix of dark and light feathers that make it stand out. When you watch this bird, you might notice how it hovers low over fields to find its food.

These hawks usually hunt small animals, and they change how they hunt depending on the land and the season.

In Utah, you can find Rough-legged Hawks all year, especially in winter. They come down from the Arctic as they migrate south. These birds are well-suited for cold weather, which helps them survive tough conditions.

Seeing a Rough-legged Hawk can help you appreciate the different birds in Utah. It can also make you feel connected to the beautiful nature around you.

Harris's Hawk

If you visit Utah, keep an eye out for the Harris's Hawk. This bird is special because it hunts differently than most other hawks. Instead of flying solo, these hawks work together in groups. They team up to chase and catch their prey, which is really cool to see.

Harris's Hawks like dry areas, especially deserts and open woods. When you look for them, check out their beautiful brown and chestnut feathers. Their tails are also quite noticeable.

Watching them hunt can be very entertaining because it shows how they cooperate and communicate with each other.

Keep your eyes peeled for these amazing birds on your next trip! They make any outing into Utah's nature even more exciting.

Broad-winged Hawk

The Broad-winged Hawk is a beautiful bird you can see flying in Utah. This medium-sized raptor has broad, rounded wings and a short tail, which help it soar high in the sky.

During migration, these hawks gather in large groups called kettles. They ride the warm rising air called thermal currents, creating an amazing sight.

In the fall, you can watch them migrate from their breeding areas in the north to warmer places in Central and South America for the winter.

Spotting a Broad-winged Hawk can feel exciting. It reminds us of the natural world and the long journeys these birds take every year.

Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawks are fast and strong birds found in the forests of Utah.

You can see them in thick woods, where they like to live among tall trees and open areas. Watch how they hunt! They're great at moving through branches quickly, using their strong wings.

These hawks are smart and change their hunting methods based on what food is available. During the spring, they act differently because they're looking for mates.

You may see them showing off in fun ways as they try to attract a partner.

If you go hiking in Utah's woods, keep your eyes open for their beautiful gray feathers and unique patterns.

You might get lucky and see these amazing birds up close in their natural home!

American Kestrel

While exploring the varied landscapes of Utah, you might see the American Kestrel. This small hawk is easy to spot because of its bright colors. It likes open spaces such as grasslands, parks, and farms. You can often find it perched on telephone wires or fence posts, looking for something to eat.

The American Kestrel has special hunting skills. It often hovers in the air, watching closely for small animals like mice, bugs, and lizards. When it sees something, it swoops down quickly to catch its meal.

Watching this hawk hunt can make your outdoor adventures even more exciting. It helps you feel more connected to Utah's amazing birds and the community of people who love watching them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Hawks in Utah?

If you want to see hawks in Utah, the best time is late summer to early fall. During these months, hawks are on the move, migrating to warmer places. This migration is fun to watch and is a great time for bird lovers. You can spot different kinds of hawks and learn about their behaviors. So, grab your binoculars and get ready for an exciting adventure!

How Can I Attract Hawks to My Backyard?

To attract hawks to your backyard, try setting up special perches. These perches help hawks see their surroundings better. You can also give them places to hunt by adding bird feeders. Small birds are a good choice because they can become meals for the hawks. With these simple steps, you can make your backyard a friendly place for hawks.

Are Hawks in Utah Protected by Law?

Yes, hawks in Utah are protected by law. This means you cannot harm or disturb them. These laws help keep hawks safe and keep their homes safe, too. It's great to watch these beautiful birds in your backyard. Just remember to respect their space!

What Should I Do if I Find an Injured Hawk?

If you see an injured hawk, take care when you get close to it. First, make sure you are safe. Don't try to touch the hawk. Next, call a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center. They know how to help birds like hawks. They will give the hawk the care it needs to heal and, hopefully, return to the wild. Your quick action can make a big difference for the hawk!

How Can I Identify Hawk Calls and Sounds?

To identify hawk calls, pay attention to their sounds. Listen for different pitches and rhythms. Take time to listen often so you can learn the various sounds hawks make. This practice will help you recognize the calls of different hawk species. It will also help you feel more connected to nature. Enjoy the sounds around you!