Birds of Prey in Texas encompass a diverse and captivating group of raptors that thrive within the state’s vast and varied landscapes. Texas provides a haven for these remarkable avian predators. Texas offers abundant opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to witness the grace, power, and natural beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Texas Birds of Prey Types
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Texas | Best Place to Spot in Texas | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Texas | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Open fields and grasslands | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Near lakes and rivers | All year |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Uncommon | Woodlands | Spring - Autumn |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Uncommon | Mixed forest areas | Autumn - Spring |
| Osprey | Large | Uncommon | Near lakes and rivers | Spring - Autumn |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Uncommon | Urban areas and cliffs | Spring - Autumn |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Texas | All year |
| Black Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Texas | All year |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
| Barred Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Rare | Dense coniferous forests | Autumn - Spring |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Open fields and marshes | Winter |
| Mississippi Kite | Medium | Uncommon | Forest edges and open areas | Spring - Autumn |
| Swainson's Hawk | Medium | Common | Open plains and agricultural fields | Spring - Autumn |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Open fields and wetlands | Autumn - Spring |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Uncommon | Open mountainous regions | Autumn - Spring |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Large | Uncommon | Open grasslands | Winter |
| Harris's Hawk | Medium | Common | Desert and scrub habitats | All year |
| White-tailed Hawk | Large | Common | Open grasslands and fields | All year |
| Crested Caracara | Large | Common | Open fields and roadways | All year |
| Burrowing Owl | Small | Common | Open grasslands with burrows | All year |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
When it comes to hawks in Texas, you get some other rare visitors such as the zone-tailed hawk and the rough-legged hawk - see here for a complete guide to Texas hawks.
Birds of Prey in Texas Photo Guides
Where to Spot Texas’s Birds of Prey
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: Located in southern Texas near the Gulf Coast, this refuge is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, including Crested Caracaras, Harris’s Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during the winter months.
Big Bend National Park: This vast national park in the southwestern corner of the state is an excellent place to observe a variety of raptors, including Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Red-tailed Hawks, which thrive in its diverse desert, mountain, and river habitats.
Hawk Watch in Corpus Christi: During the autumn migration (mid-August to mid-November), this is one of the best places in North America to observe migrating raptors. Many species, including Peregrine Falcons, Broad-winged Hawks, and Swainson’s Hawks, can be seen in large numbers.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the Gulf Coast, this refuge is best known for its population of wintering Whooping Cranes, but it also hosts a variety of raptors such as Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and Crested Caracaras.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Located in central Texas, this refuge provides habitat for two endangered migratory birds - the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, but it is also a great spot to see a diversity of raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and American Kestrels.
The Lone Star State’s varied habitats are a haven for numerous birds of prey. Experience the untamed beauty embodied by New Mexico’s Feathered Predators. Head north to Oklahoma’s birds of prey, where the Skyborne Hunters resonate with the Sooner State’s natural charm. To the east, Louisiana’s Winged Warriors echo the Bayou State’s diverse ecosystems. Delve into these birds further with our in-depth Guide to Raptors.