THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

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Family Accipitridae

Osprey -- Pandion haliaetus
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant statewide, probably most common eastwardly, where more large rivers and reservoirs exist. There is a single old breeding record for Rockport, a defunct town near the Douglas-Washington county line (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904). The closest area of breeding in the Plains States is Minnesota, but during migration the species may appear anywhere in the region.

Migration: The range of 102 initial spring sightings is from January 1 to May 25, with a median of April 21. Half of the records fall within the period April 12 to May 1. Twenty-one final spring sightings are from April 7 to May 27, with a median of May 5. Twenty-two initial fall sightings are from August 28 to November 30, with a median of September 15. Half of the records fall within the period September 14-24. Seventeen final fall sightings are from September 17 to December 26, with a median of October 9.

Habitats: While on migration this species occurs along rivers, lakes and reservoirs that support fishes and have fairly clear water for foraging.

Comments: It is more than likely that ospreys will begin nesting in Nebraska again, considering the many new reservoirs that have been formed in recent decades. The birds are now regular spring and fall migrants at Lake McConaughy and other larger reservoirs in the state, and watching them dive into water to capture prey is an exciting event. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Swallow-tailed Kite -- Elanoides forficatus
Extirpated. Previously bred in eastern Nebraska (Greenwood [Cass County], Rockport [Douglas or Washington counties], and Calhoun [Washington County] according to Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904), but disappearing sometime after 1900. A recent (1960) sight record for Douglas County has since been retracted.


Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caerulea
Accidental . Observed August 3l-September 8, l983, in Sarpy County and on May 6, 1995 in Polk County (Nebraska Bird Review 5l:91; 63:60).


Mississippi Kite -- Ictinia mississippiensis
Extremely rare . In addition to some old records for Adams and Douglas counties, there have been three sightings between 1975 and 1977 in Douglas-Sarpy counties, two during 1974 in Lincoln County, one in 1978 in Lancaster County, one in 1950 in Antelope County, one in 1944 in Adams County, and one in 1948 in Webster County. Since l99l breeding has occurred fairly regularly in the city of Ogallala, where a single nesting pair has produced offspring nearly every year (Nebraska Bird Review 63:89; 65:88-89). The nearest area of regular breeding is Ellis County, Kansas, and it also breeds in Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.

Migration: Eight total spring records are from April 15 to May 30, with a mean of May 15. Four fall records are for September 9 (2), 11 and 19. Kansas records extend to late October.

Habitats: Associated with scrub and open woodlands near water. The Ogallala nestings have been in a large tree in a residential area. Parks and golf courses may also be used.

Comments: Breeding by this attractive little kite is now regular in Ogallala, but has not begun elsewhere in spite of several broods that have been reared successfully there. The breeding range in Kansas has slowly advanced northward, so additional nesting locations in Nebraska should be expected. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Bald Eagle -- Haliaeetus leucocephalus
An uncommon spring and fall migrant and locally common winter resident in Nebraska, especially along the major rivers and reservoir areas, such as Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake McConaughy, Johnson Lake and Harlan County Reservoir. Although it once bred regularly in eastern Nebraska, the first known modern-era nesting attempt was in 1973 in Cedar County (Nebraska Bird Review 41:76). In more recent years nesting efforts have occurred every summer, often along the Platte River or other larger bodies of water. In l996 a total of ten known nesting efforts were documented by Game and Parks personnel. It breeds regularly in Minnesota, and has bred in South Dakota. During winter it may appear at lakes, reservoirs or larger rivers throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Sixty-five initial fall sightings range from September 16 to December 31, with a median of November 29. Half of the records fall within the period November 16 to December 16. Eighty-eight final spring sightings are from January 8 to May 12, with a median of March 19. Half of the records fall within the period March 17 to April 2.

Habitats: Bald eagles in Nebraska utilize ice-free areas of larger tree-lined rivers and reservoirs during winter periods. Perching is usually done in tall cottonwoods near water.

Comments: Bald eagle winter populations have greatly increased in recent years; now an average of nearly 750 birds winter within the state. Lake McConaughy is especially favored, but Johnson and Harlan County reservoirs, the J-2 hydroplant near Lexington, the central Platte River, and the Republican and Missouri Rivers are also important areas. Usually about 25-30 percent of these birds are immatures, suggesting that favorable reproduction is occurring. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Northern Harrier -- Circus cyaneus
A common migrant and permanent resident throughout Nebraska. Although in cold winters most birds may leave the state, in most areas and years the species can be regarded as a resident. It is probably most common as a breeder in the Sandhills. It breeds locally almost throughout the Plains States, and is a regular throughout during migration.

Migration: Thirty-nine initial spring sightings range from January 1 to June 2, with a median of March 13. The wide spread of the records suggest it is a resident over much of the state. Thirty-six final fall records are from September 14 to December 31, with a median of December 9.

Habitats: This species occurs in open habitats such as native grasslands, prairie marshes and wet meadows. Nesting is done in grassy or woody vegetation ranging from upland grasses and shrubs to emergent vegetation in water more than two feet deep.

Comments: Northern harriers are graceful predators, that are usually seen sweeping low over marshes and fields, and showing white rump patches in both sexes. Adult males are otherwise silvery gray with black wingtips, whereas females and young males are mostly chocolate brown. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Sharp-shinned Hawk -- Accipiter striatus
An uncommon to occasional winter visitor and spring migrant throughout Nebraska. Although the only specific breeding records are for Sioux county, the species probably also nests in the Missouri River's forested valley. It probably nests locally in the Dakotas and Minnesota, and has nested in Kansas and Oklahoma, and migrates throughout the Plains States.

Migration: A total of 142 initial spring records range from January 1 to June 1, with a median of March 29. Half the records fall within the two periods January 1 - 9 and March 17 - April 27, indicating that this species is probably a winter visitor and early spring migrant. Forty-one initial fall records are from July 26 to December 30, with a median of September 16. Half of the records fall within the period September 3 -19. Thirty-five final fall sightings are from August 20 to December 31, with a median of November 10.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is associated with fairly dense forests, especially mixed woods with some coniferous trees. During winter it often enters wooded yards and hides near feeders to wait for possible prey.

Comments: This is the smallest and most common of the accipiter hawks, noted for their rounded wings, long tails, and swift flight abilities. Sharpshins specialize on catching small birds, often around bird feeders, and they can cause the sudden evacuation of the area by their sudden appearance.


Cooper's Hawk -- Accipiter cooperii
An uncommon winter visitor and spring migrant throughout Nebraska, and probably a local permanent resident. It is probably a rare nester in the Missouri River forests of eastern Nebraska, and there are some recent summer records for the Pine Ridge area, as well as observation of an adult carrying food near Alma, in Harlan County. It is a local but probably regular breeder in suitable habitats throughout the Plains States, especially in eastern and southeastern areas.

Migration: A total of 164 initial spring sightings range from January 1 to June 10, with a median of March 16. Half of the records fall within the two periods Jan. 1-9 and March 13-April 26, suggesting that the species is a winter visitor and early spring migrant. Thirty-four initial fall records are from August 7 to December 27, with a median of September 16. Half of the records fall within the period September 4 to October 1. Thirty-five final fall sightings are from September 8 to December 31, with a median of October 30.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is associated with mature forests, especially hardwood forests.

Comments: A larger version of the sharp-shinned hawk, the Cooper's preys on larger birds, but is even more fearless in its attacks. These two similar species are best distinguished by size; the sharpshin is about the size of an American kestrel, and the Cooper's is substantially larger, especially females. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Northern Goshawk -- Accipiter gentilis
An occasional winter visitor and spring migrant nearly statewide. Probably less common now than earlier, but there have been recent observations from Box Butte, Cherry, Custer, Saunders, and Lancaster counties according to Game and Parks Commission records. The only areas of breeding in the Plains States are the Black Hills and northern Minnesota, but it is a migrant throughout.

Migration: Forty-eight spring records range from January 1 to June 1, with a median of March 15. Half of the records fall within the two periods January 1-11 and April 14 to May 16, suggesting this species is both a winter visitor and late spring migrant. Twenty-two total fall records are from September 16 to December 31, with half of the records occurring within the two periods September 21-October 17 and December 25-31.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is rarely found far from wooded to heavily forested areas.

Comments: The Latin name of the goshawk may suggest it is "gentle", but the name really refers to the royal nature of the bird. The common name goshawk refers to the species' ability to attack and kill geese and similar sized birds. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Harris' Hawk -- Parabuteo uncinctus
Accidental . The main evidence of occurrence in the state is a specimen reportedly collected at Elkhorn, Douglas County, on October 28, 1922, and now in the Hastings Museum (Nebraska Bird Review 45:52). Also observed in Scotts Bluff County on January 13 and 27, 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:134).


Red-shouldered Hawk -- Buteo lineatus
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern counties and a possible permanent resident in southeastern Nebraska; rare in other parts of the state. It has been observed west to Lincoln, Garden and Cherry counties, and reported rarely in the Pine Ridge, but known breeding is limited to the Missouri Valley. It apparently bred in Douglas County in 1958 and in 1964 (Nebraska Bird Review 47:38) and in Fontenelle Forest in 1995. It still breeds in eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma.

Migration: Forty-nine initial spring sightings are from January 1 to June 10, with a nearly random temporal distribution, suggesting that the species is perhaps a resident in its limited Nebraska range. Eleven final fall sightings are from September 25 to December 27, with a median of November 16, and no clear indication of migratory movements.

Habitats: Throughout the year this species is found in relatively moist woodlands, especially floodplain forests, with adjacent open country for foraging.

Comments: This attractive hawk has declined in the Midwest in recent years, probably at least in part because of forest fragmentation trends. Eastern Nebraska represents the western edge of its historic breeding range. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase nationally during that period.


Broad-winged Hawk -- Buteo platypterus
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and possible occasional summer resident in the Missouri's forested valley. Rare vagrants occur as far west as the Panhandle. Nesting has occurred in eastern Nebraska, but there seem to be no recent records, and the species might be virtually extirpated as a breeding bird. It still breeds locally in Minnesota, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and has bred in South Dakota.

Migration: Excluding a single January record, the range of 82 initial spring sightings is from March 4 to June 6, with a median of April 26. Half of the records fall within the period April 17 to May 1. Nineteen final spring sightings are from April 12 to June 8, with a median of May 15. Eleven initial fall sightings are from August 8 to October 3, with a median of September 12. Sixteen final fall sightings are from August 25 to November 19, with a median of October 5.

Habitats: Associated with mature deciduous forests, especially those near water, during the breeding season. Migrant birds are sometimes seen in flocks over open country.

Comments: Like the red-shouldered hawk, this little woodland-nesting buteo has regionally declined in population, and shows little sign of recovery. It is a highly migratory species, and like the Swainson's hawk is perhaps exposed to pesticides on its wintering grounds. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone no significant population changes during that period.


Swainson's Hawk -- Buteo swainsoni
A common to uncommon spring and fall migrant and summer resident almost statewide, becoming less common eastwardly, and with the eastern limits of regular breeding probably west of a line from Gage to Burt counties. Largest numbers occur during the fall migration period in late September, but none overwinter. It also breeds elsewhere in the Plains States excepting the easternmost areas, and migrates throughout the region.

Migration: Ninety-three initial spring sightings are from January 1 to June 8, with a median of April 18. Half of the records fall within the period April 3 to May 3. Sixty-five final fall sightings are from August 4 to December 27, with a median of September 26. Half of the records fall within the period September 14 to October 1.

Habitats: While this species occurs in Nebraska it is associated with open country, especially high plains and sandhills with only scattered trees for nesting sites.

Comments: This a plains-adapted, largely insect-eating hawk that is still quite common in western Nebraska, although in recent years mass poisoning by pesticides on wintering areas of South America has done great damage to populations. West of about Kearney most of the buteos seen from roadsides are likely to be Swainson's hawks, whereas east of Grand Island red-tailed hawks comprise the majority. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Red-tailed Hawk -- Buteo jamaicensis
An uncommon summer or permanent resident statewide, but more common eastwardly, and a common spring and fall migrant. It is a breeder and migrant throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Thirty-two initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 21, with a median of March 22 and a nearly random temporal distribution, suggesting that the species is essentially a permanent resident. Twenty-three final fall sightings are from September 29 to December 31, with a median of November 26.

Habitats: A combination of extensive open habitat for visual hunting and scattered clumps or groves of tall trees for nesting provide the year-round needs for this species.

Comments: The red-tailed hawk is the most familiar of Nebraska's buteo hawks. It is present all year, but migrants also move through the state during September-October and again in March and April. Nesting is done in tall hardwoods near the edges of woodlands, and the birds are highly effective predators of rodents, rabbits, and snakes such as bullsnakes. Not all red-tailed hawks have rusty tails; first-year birds have barred brown tails, and the Harlan's race often has grayish tails with little or no rufous tinting. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Ferruginous Hawk -- Buteo regalis
An uncommon to occasional permanent resident in western Nebraska. It is apparently migratory and a summer visitant only in northwestern Nebraska, but is a permanent resident or winter visitor elsewhere. Regular breeding occurs west of a line from Dundy to Keya Paha counties, and there are recent Game and Parks Commission records of breeding from Banner, Cherry and Lincoln counties. Elsewhere in the Plains States it nests widely in the drier and short-grass plains areas, and may be seen on migration somewhat farther east.

Migration: Seventy initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 25, with a median of March 1. The wide spread of the records (half falling between January 17 and April 12) suggest that the species is essentially residential in Nebraska. Twenty final fall records are likewise widely spread between August 26 and December 31.

Habitats: While in Nebraska, this species is normally found in grassland habitats having scattered trees or clay buttes or bluffs for nesting sites.

Comments: This majestic buteo is almost eagle-sized, and like the golden eagle is able to prey on prairie dogs and rabbits very effectively. It has a very broad gape, causing it to have a somewhat froglike appearance when its beak is opened. At times its pale rusty tail may cause confusion with pale-morph red-tailed hawks, but the rusty thighs and white "panels" in its outer wing feathers help with identification. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Rough-legged Hawk -- Buteo lagopus
An uncommon migrant and winter visitor statewide, becoming more common westwardly. It also occurs throughout the entire plains region.

Migration: Eighty-five initial fall records range from September 30 to December 30, with a median of November 2. Half of the records fall within the period October 9 to November 22. A total of 73 final spring sightings range from January 8 to May 20, with a median of March 26. Half of the records fall within the period March 10 to April 12.

Habitats: Open prairies, plains and other grassland habitats are used while on migration and during wintering in the Plains States.

Comments: This is one of Nebraska's winter buteos, for only then does it move south from arctic breeding grounds and share the plains with red-tailed and ferruginous hawks. Like the ferruginous hawk its tarsi are fully feathered (hence the name "rough-legged'), but is a somewhat smaller and is adapted to preying on lemming-sized rodents.


Golden Eagle -- Aquila chrysaetos
An uncommon migrant and winter resident throughout Nebraska, becoming more common westwardly, and a permanent resident in western Nebraska, especially the Pine Ridge area. There are recent breeding observations from Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan, Box Butte, Scotts Bluff, Banner, Morrill, Garden, Cheyenne and Lincoln counties according to Game Commission records. It also breeds in the western portions of the Dakotas and from Colorado southward, and during winter appears farther eastwardly.

Migration: This species is evidently a resident in western Nebraska and a winter visitor elsewhere, and thus the records are not susceptible to ready statewide analysis. Late winter sightings seem to follow closely the temporal pattern of the bald eagle.

Habitats: Throughout most of the year this species is associated with arid, open country, often with buttes, mountains or canyons that offer remote nesting sites and large areas of grassland vegetation for foraging. In winter it is sometimes found near rivers or reservoirs, but not nearly to the extent that is true of the bald eagle.

Comments: Winter Breeding Bird surveys of golden eagles in Nebraska suggest that they are widely distributed in western counties, with no special areas of concentration. This is not surprising, since jackrabbits and cottontails are probably important parts of the diet, with no attraction to localized sources of fish. Good places to look for nesting birds include Jailhouse Rock near Bridgport, and the vicinity of Chimney Rock. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period.



Family Falconidae

American Kestrel -- Falco sparverius
Common permanent resident statewide. Less common in winter, and more abundant during spring and fall, so substantial migration must occur. The species occurs throughout the Plains states as a migrant or breeder.

Migration: Twenty-nine spring records and 22 fall records are widely scattered, suggesting that the species is largely residential in Nebraska.
Habitats, Open country with elevated perching sites such as telephone lines or scattered trees are used throughout the year , and nesting is usually done in tree hollows (nest boxes are also often used) near large areas of grasslands or croplands.

Comments: The American kestrel, once called the "sparrow hawk," is one of the most attractive of all our raptors. The smaller males are bright rufous with bluish gray wings and a rusty tail, whereas the female is nearly all barred or striped with rufous and brown. They are hole-nesters, often choosing old woodpecker cavities, but also nest in artificial cavities. During summer they feed largely on grasshoppers and other large insects, but turn to small mammals and other prey in cold weather. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a possible slight population increase during that period.


Merlin -- Falco columbarius
An uncommon migrant and winter visitor statewide, and an extremely rare summer resident in the Pine Ridge area. There are recent nesting records for Fort Robinson in 1975, and a second nearby nesting in 1978 (Nebraska Bird Review 47:39). Nesting occurs in western South Dakota, Minnesota and rarely in North Dakota, and migrants may appear anywhere in the Plains States.

Migration: Ninety-nine initial spring sightings range from January 1 to June 6, with a median of March 19. Half of the records fall within the two periods January 1-20 and March 30-April 24, suggesting that the species is primarily a winter visitor and spring migrant. Forth-eight fall records extend from August 16 to December 31, with a median of October 23. The largest number (21) of fall records are for December, followed by September (15) and October (7).

Habitats: Open country with elevated perches such as telephone lines or scattered trees are used throughout the year, and nesting is typically in scattered trees or groves near large areas of grasslands, croplands or badlands.

Comments: This little falcon is slightly larger than the American kestrel, and is largely a hunter of small birds. The males are mostly bluish gray above, whereas females are various tones of brown and buffy. It is likely that nesting occurs more frequently in Nebraska than the few available records suggest. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Prairie Falcon -- Falco mexicanus
An occasional to rare permanent resident in western Nebraska, and a rare migrant and winter visitor in eastern Nebraska. It is a rare and local breeder in the northwestern Panhandle, with nesting records for Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties. Probably also breeds around Scottsbluff and in the Wildcat Hills. It also breeds in the western parts of the Dakotas, eastern Colorado, northeastern New Mexico and adjacent Oklahoma.

Migration: A total of 135 initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 22, with a median of January 30. Half of the records fall within the period January 1-30, suggesting that the species is primarily a resident and winter visitor, with no obvious secondary peak of spring migration. Forty-five fall records extend from July 21 to December 31, with a median of November 13 and no obvious fall peak in records. There is a progressively smaller number of monthly records from December backwards to July.

Habitats: This species is associated with large expanses of open grasslands or sagebrush scrub, with nearby cliffs, bluffs or rocky outcrops for nesting.

Comments: The prairie falcon is a paler version of the peregrine, and a species more likely to specialize on prairie-dogs and ground squirrels than on birds. It attacks such prey at high speed and from nearly ground-level altitudes, rather than from high-altitude stooping dives, but is equally deadly. Like the peregrine it prefers to nest on steep cliffs, and seeing a female diving on birds such as ravens that stray too close to the nest is a lesson in high-speed acrobatics.


Peregrine Falcon -- Falco peregrinus
A rare to occasional migrant and winter visitor statewide. It apparently once bred in Dawes County (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904), and a release program in Omaha has produced several successful nestings there in recent years. The species occurs elsewhere in the Plains States as a migrant and may have bred in the Black Hills in recent years.

Migration: A total of 97 initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 17, with a median of March 20. Half of the records fall within the two periods January 1-20 and April 21-May 11, suggesting that the species is a winter visitor and spring migrant. Twenty total fall records extend from July 26 to December 26, with a median of September 22. The largest number of fall records (8) is for September, but the sample is too small to suggest a peak period.

Habitats: During migration this species is most likely to be found in open, grassland habitats, but sometimes enters cities while hunting pigeons.

Comments: Until the successful release program undertaken in Omaha, peregrines were believed to have been extirpated from the state as breeders. However, thanks to this and other similar programs, the sight of peregrines is no longer a rarity, and a few unsuccessful attempts at nesting have occurred near the dome of the state capitol building. These city-adapted birds have even learned to hunt by night, using the lights that illuminate the capitol to capture night-flying prey such as nighthawks. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Gyrfalcon -- Falco rusticolus
An extremely rare winter visitor . A single specimen was obtained in Johnson County in 1885, and another was captured in Kearney County in 1974. Additionally there are sight records from Cuming County (1880's), Keith County (1947), Dawes County (1965), Lincoln County (1975), Kearney County (1977), Garden County (1979), and Adams County (1980). Falconers have captured several during winter in the Sandhills in recent years, such as two in Cherry County in 1983 (Brogie, 1997). It is rare in the Dakotas, and accidental in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Eight total records for this species range from November 27 to March 3. There are three records for January, two for December, and one each for November, February and March.

Habitats: Open plains and prairies are used during migration and while wintering.

Comments: This is the bird most prized by falconers for their sport; gyrfalcons have been trained to kill birds as large as bustards, and will readily attack pheasants or large waterfowl. The species exhibits an array of color morphs, ranging from nearly pure white to dusky gray. The lighter-colored birds are typically nesters of high-arctic latitudes.


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