Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Iowa

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Iowa

Eagles

There are only two types of eagles native to the state.

• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle

During winter, many eagles from the northern states and Canada migrate south in search of food. They start coming to Iowa in September and increase their numbers through January. 

The bald eagle, America’s pride and joy, is the most common in Iowa. They nest from January through August in the state, with a significant part of the egg-laying activity occurring from February to July.

Hawks

• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Cooper’s Hawk
• American Goshawk
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Broad-winged Hawk
• Swainson’s Hawk
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Rough-legged Hawk
• Ferruginous Hawk

The small hawks of the state are the sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks. The ferruginous hawk is the largest in Iowa.

Falcons

• American Kestrel
• Merlin
• Peregrine Falcon
• Prairie Falcon
• Crested Caracara (Accidental)
• Gyrfalcon (Accidental)

American kestrels can be seen year-round, while the merlin frequents the state during migration season. The peregrines occur mainly in the migration season but can be spotted in some remote locations in the breeding season as well. There are a few places where they even reside the whole year.

Ospreys

• Osprey

Harriers

• Northern Harrier

There are excellent eagle-watching spots in Iowa: Lansing, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park, Quad Cities, Des Moines, and Decorah. Lock and Dam 14, in Le Claire, is one of the most popular places to watch bald eagles catch fish, nest, and fly over the Mississippi River.