Hawks in Minnesota : Nine Marked Varieties
Hawks are a type of bird that can be found in Minnesota. There are many different types of hawks, such as the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and sharp-shinned hawk. Hawks are known for their hunting abilities and use their keen eyesight and powerful talons to capture prey.
These striking birds are also known for their piercing cry, which sounds like a shrill whistle. While they may be beautiful, it’s best to admire hawks from a distance. These powerful predators can pose a danger to small pets or children if they feel threatened.
If you see a hawk hovering near your home, it’s best to keep an eye on it and bring your pets inside until it flies away.
Nine Distinct Varieties of Hawks in Minnesota
In Minnesota, there are various species of hawks, some of which can be found in other states and some of which are unique to our state. Whether you’re an avid photographer or an enthusiastic birder, it’s always exciting to spot a hawk in the sky.
Swainson’s Hawk
These birds are a part of the Buteo genus and are found in many parts of the world, but their presence in Minnesota is especially notable. Swainson’s hawks are medium to large raptors with wingspans up to nearly five feet.
They are known for their distinctively long wings and tails, which can be seen in flight. The feathers of the Swainson’s hawk are tan or grayish-brown, and their wings and tail are dark brown with white patches and bars.
Expected Life Span: 16-19 years
Length: 18-22 inches
Wingspan: 46-54 inches
Weight: 690-1367 gm
Red-shouldered Hawk
This raptor is distinctive, with a reddish-brown coloring on the shoulders and a banded tail. These birds usually inhabit wooded environments and often hunt from perches in trees.
Red-shouldered Hawks are rare in Minnesota but can be found in select areas of the state. They are generally found near wetlands or wooded areas with open spaces and trees.
Expected Life Span: The oldest Red-shouldered Hawk was alive for 19 years and 11 months, but in the wild, two years on average.
Length: 17-24 inches
Wingspan: 37-43 inches
Weight: 550-700 gm
Diet: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles
Northern Harrier
Hawks are an essential part of Minnesota’s bird population, and one of the more common species is the Northern Harrier. This large hawk has unique characteristics such as a long, slender gray body, a pale face and white underparts, and a long tail with a broad black band.
The Northern Harrier has a wingspan of around three and a half feet and is most active during dusk and dawn.
Expected Life Span: 16 years
Length: 18.1-19.7 inches
Wingspan: 40.2-46.5 inches
Weight: 300-750 gm
Diet: Small birds, rodents, reptiles
Rough-legged Hawk
Many hawks inhabit Minnesota, but one of the most notable is the Rough-legged Hawk. This hawk of the family Accipitridae is a medium-sized hawk that can be found in open habitats, such as fields and grasslands. It is most easily identified by its distinctive feathered legs, where it gets its name.
Expected Life Span: Up to 18 years
Length: 18-24 inches
Wingspan: 52-54 inches
Weight: 715-1400 gm
Diet: Small rodents, lemmings, and voles
Northern Goshawk
The majestic Northern Goshawk is a species of hawk native to Minnesota and is the largest species of accipiter in the state. They are typically found in Minnesota’s northern boreal and temperate forests and have also been spotted in the north of hardwood and mixed coniferous forests.
Goshawks prefer wooded areas, but they have also been seen in open fields, meadows, and on the edge of wetlands.
Expected Life Span: Up to 6 years
Length: 20-26 inches
Wingspan: 38-46 inches
Weight: 630-1360 gm
Diet: Birds, small mammals
Cooper’s Hawk
They have dark gray heads and chests, rusty barring along the tail and wings. Cooper’s Hawks are strong fliers, with a distinctive flight pattern of swift flapping interspersed with short glides.
It can be found in almost any wooded habitat but prefers mature forests, often near water. During the breeding season, Cooper’s Hawks can be seen perched atop tall trees, scanning the ground for prey.
Expected Life Span: Up to 12 years
Length: 14-20 inches
Wingspan: 24.4-35.4 inches
Weight: 220-680 gm
Diet: Small birds, squirrels, mice
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The tiny Sharp-shinned Hawk is found throughout the state in various habitats. This species prefers to inhabit forests, particularly those with dense understory vegetation. They also inhabit grasslands, agricultural areas, and even urban areas.
It hunts from perches, usually small trees or shrubs, and uses its short, rounded wings to maneuver through dense foliage.
Expected Life Span: 3 years on average
Length: 9.5-13.5 inches
Wingspan: 17-23 inches
Weight: 82-220 gm
Diet: Robins, thrushes, sparrows
Red-Tailed Hawk
This hawk is found in various habitats throughout the state, including woodlands, grasslands, and open areas with scattered trees.
The red-tailed hawk is easily recognizable due to its distinct coloring, with reddish brown feathers on its upper body and tail, white patches on its wings and underbelly, and a mottled white and brown pattern on the back.
Expected Life Span: 10-15 years
Length: 17.7-25.5 inches
Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 inches
Weight: 690-1300 gm
Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
Broad-winged Hawk
It is one of the most-seen species of hawk in the state. The Broad-winged Hawk has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other species of hawk found in Minnesota. It has black, gray, and brown plumage, and its primary feathers are longer than its tail feathers.
The Broad-winged Hawk can typically be seen soaring through the skies in search of prey or perched atop tall trees and telephone poles, scanning the landscape below for prey.
Expected Life Span: Up to 12 years
Length: 13-17 inches
Wingspan: 31-39 inches
Weight: 250-561 gm
Diet: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects
What are the Benefits of Having Hawks in Your Yard?
Hawks are one of the most beneficial birds of prey to have around your yard. Having hawks in your yard can provide many benefits for both your home and the environment. A hawk’s presence can help keep rodent populations in check, as they feed on smaller mammals like mice and voles.
They also help to reduce the number of insects and other pests, providing natural pest control. In addition, these birds of prey can help to keep other nuisance birds, such as crows and grackles, away from your yard.
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, hawks are beautiful, majestic birds that can add a touch of nature to any outdoor area. Having a hawk in your yard can also provide a sense of tranquility, as its presence often causes other birds to remain quiet.
Are The Falcon And Eagle Present In Minnesota?
The answer to whether the Falcon and Eagle are present in Minnesota is yes. Both birds can be seen in the state regularly, although their populations tend to be more concentrated in certain areas.
For instance, the peregrine falcon is common throughout the state, with breeding populations located in the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers Valleys, as well as along the shore of Lake Superior.
The bald eagle, a native species in Minnesota, can also be seen in various parts of the state. The highest concentrations are along the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, and the north-central region. To maximize the chances of seeing these birds, it is best to visit these areas during the spring and summer.
What Steps Can Be Taken To Protect Hawks In Minnesota?
Minnesotans are fortunate enough to host a variety of species of hawks, from the Red-tailed Hawk to the Broad-winged Hawk. Protecting these birds is essential for maintaining the state’s natural diversity and beauty, and Minnesota’s citizens can take several steps to contribute to preserving these majestic creatures.
Reduce Illegal Hunting
It is essential to reduce illegal hunting. This can be done through several measures. It is necessary to provide education and awareness on preserving local wildlife and the consequences of illegal hunting.
Additionally, law enforcement should be involved in monitoring areas where hawks are known to reside and actively apprehend any individuals caught participating in illegal hunting.
Increase Habitat
One of the most critical steps to take is to increase the habitat for hawks. This can be accomplished through the preservation of existing habitats and the creation of new habitats. Creating and managing grasslands, wetlands, and other open spaces can provide suitable habitats for hawks.
Provide Food Sources
In the winter, it can be difficult for hawks to find food, so providing them with a reliable source of nutrition is essential. This can be achieved by planting native trees and shrubs that produce nuts, fruits, and berries and creating bird feeders with various seeds and suet.
Additionally, providing the hawks with a safe nesting area is also essential. This can be done by creating nesting boxes and providing them with suitable trees to perch on.
What Types of Hawks Are Found in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to a variety of hawks. From the majestic Red-tailed Hawk to the agile Cooper’s Hawk, there are several species that grace the state’s skies. Falcons, Bald Eagles, and the Hawks’ diverse diet revealed offer a glimpse into the abundance of wildlife present in Minnesota. These birds of prey play a vital role in the ecosystem, contributing to its balance and health.
Do the Different Varieties of Hawks in Minnesota Have Different Hearing Abilities?
Yes, the different varieties of hawks in Minnesota have distinct hawks’ hearing abilities. While some have exceptional long-range hearing, others are adept at pinpointing sounds in dense vegetation. These variations in hearing abilities allow different hawks to effectively hunt and survive in their specific habitats.
Are Red-Tailed Hawks Commonly Found in Minnesota?
Yes, red-tailed hawks are commonly found in Minnesota. They are easily identifiable by their characteristic redtailed hawk size guide. These birds of prey primarily live in open areas, such as grasslands and agricultural fields, making Minnesota an ideal habitat for them. They are often observed soaring high in the sky.
Explore The Several Species of Hawks in Minnesota
Conclusion
Hawks are typically found in wooded areas but can also be seen in open fields or near water. Hawks eat small mammals, birds, and insects and help control these animals’ populations. Several species of hawks can be found in Minnesota, including the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, and broad-winged hawk.
They play a vital role in controlling rodent and reptile populations and, in turn, help preserve the biodiversity of an area. Hawks are also crucial for biodiversity because they provide food for other species and allow humans to observe and appreciate these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
