Midwest · Central Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in South Dakota?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in South Dakota year-round in small numbers. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in South Dakota?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in South Dakota, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Cooper's Hawks occur regularly are Nebraska (about 200 miles away), North Dakota (about 220 miles away) and Minnesota (about 300 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in South Dakota: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in South Dakota, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In South Dakota, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Cooper's Hawk in South Dakota
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in South Dakota
Other birds in South Dakota
Birds you might also encounter in South Dakota.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in South Dakota: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in South Dakota. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota, knowing the seasonal patterns of Cooper's Hawk can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in South Dakota using the related birds section.