Birds of prey in New Mexico play important roles in the state’s ecosystems, contributing to pest control and maintaining the balance of prey populations. They can be observed in various habitats across New Mexico, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats.
Types of Birds of Prey in New Mexico
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in New Mexico | Best Place to Spot in New Mexico | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Gray Owl | Large | Rare | Northern mountainous regions | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge | All year |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Common | Throughout New Mexico | All year |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Common | Throughout New Mexico | Spring - Fall |
| Swainson's Hawk | Large | Common | Eastern Plains | Spring - Fall |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Common | Eastern Plains | Spring - Fall |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout New Mexico | Spring - Fall |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | Rare | Northern New Mexico in winter | Winter |
| Osprey | Large | Rare | Large lakes and rivers | Spring - Summer |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Wetlands and open fields | All year |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Rare | Cliffs and mountainous regions | Spring - Fall |
| Prairie Falcon | Medium | Common | Open grasslands | Spring - Fall |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Very Common | Urban and suburban areas | Spring - Fall |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Very Common | Throughout New Mexico | All year |
| Western Screech-Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands and riparian areas | All year |
| American Barn Owl | Medium | Rare | Farmland and open country | Spring - Fall |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Common | Mountainous regions | Spring - Fall |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Rare | Northern mountainous regions | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Throughout New Mexico | Spring - Fall |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Common | Open grasslands | Spring - Fall |
Birds of Prey in New Mexico Photo Guides
Where to Spot New Mexico’s Birds of Prey
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Situated south of Socorro, this refuge is well known for a variety of bird species, including several raptors like Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels. Its extensive wetlands provide an ideal hunting ground for these birds of prey.
Gila National Forest: The diverse terrain and rich wildlife in this area make it a great place to spot different types of birds of prey, such as Cooper’s Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Golden Eagles. The forest’s wilderness areas provide a wide range of habitats for these raptors.
Cibola National Forest: Home to the Sandia Mountains, the area’s high peaks are an ideal location for birds of prey to nest and hunt. Here, you can spot Northern Goshawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park: Located in Albuquerque, this park is an oasis in the desert. Its riverside forests and wetlands attract numerous birds of prey, including Cooper’s Hawks, Ospreys, and Bald Eagles.
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge: In the heart of New Mexico, this refuge encompasses a variety of habitats, attracting a diversity of raptors including Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcons, and Golden Eagles. This vast wilderness is a paradise for bird watchers.
New Mexico’s diverse landscapes are a haven for a variety of birds of prey. Explore the untamed beauty represented by Arizona’s Feathered Predators. Head north to Colorado, where the Skyborne Hunters resonate with the state’s mountainous charm. To the east, Texas’s Winged Warriors mirror the Lone Star State’s diverse habitats. Delve into these species further with our ultimate US Birds of Prey Guide.