Arizona is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of hawks. These birds of prey are known for their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and impressive hunting abilities. From the iconic Red-tailed Hawk to the elusive Ferruginous Hawk, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Types of Hawks in Arizona
Red-Tailed Hawk: The most common hawk in Arizona, often seen soaring over open landscapes and along highways. It can be found in all regions of the state, from the deserts to the mountains.
Cooper’s Hawk: This medium-sized hawk is often found in urban and suburban areas, where it preys on small birds. It can also be found in wooded areas and along streams.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk: A small hawk that is often seen darting through trees in search of prey. It can be found in forests and wooded areas throughout the state.
Northern Harrier: Also known as the Marsh Hawk, this hawk can be found in wetlands and open grasslands. It is known for its distinctive flight style, which involves low, slow, and hovering flights.
Swainson’s Hawk: This large hawk can be found in open grasslands and agricultural areas. It is known for its migration, which takes it from Argentina to North America each year.
- Ferruginous Hawk: This large hawk is found primarily in the deserts and grasslands of Arizona. It is known for its distinctive rusty-colored feathers.
Common Black Hawk: This hawk is found primarily in the southern parts of Arizona, near rivers and other bodies of water. It is known for its distinctive call and striking black and white plumage.
Northern Goshawk: This large hawk is found primarily in the mountains of Arizona. It is known for its aggressive behavior and is often seen chasing other birds through the trees.
Zone-Tailed Hawk: This hawk is found primarily in the southern parts of Arizona, near the border with Mexico. It is known for its striking resemblance to the Turkey Vulture, which it uses to sneak up on prey.
Broad-Winged Hawk: This medium-sized hawk is found primarily in the mountains of Arizona. It is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched whistle.
Gray Hawk: This small hawk is found primarily in the deserts and riparian areas of Arizona. It is known for its distinctive gray plumage and its preference for nesting in cacti.
Rough-legged Hawk: This hawk is found primarily in the northern parts of Arizona, near the border with Utah. It is known for its distinctive feathered legs, which help it stay warm in cold climates.
Short-Tailed Hawk: This hawk is a rare visitor to Arizona, but it is occasionally seen in the southern parts of the state. It is known for its distinctive short tail and its preference for hunting small birds.
White-Tailed Hawk: This hawk is a rare visitor to Arizona, but it is occasionally seen in the southern parts of the state. It is known for its distinctive white tail and its preference for hunting small mammals.
Red-Shouldered Hawk: This hawk is a rare visitor to Arizona, but it is occasionally seen in the southern parts of the state. It is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a loud scream.
Where to Spot Hawks in Arizona
Madera Canyon: Located in the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson, Madera Canyon is renowned for its rich birdlife and is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The diverse habitat, ranging from desert scrub to pine forests, attracts a wide variety of hawks. Some of the hawks you might spot in Madera Canyon include Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Harris’s Hawks, and occasional sightings of Northern Goshawks and Zone-tailed Hawks.
Chiricahua Mountains: The Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona offer excellent opportunities for hawk watching. This mountain range is part of the Coronado National Forest and provides a variety of habitats, including oak woodlands and pine forests. The diverse landscape attracts an impressive array of hawks. You can expect to see Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Zone-tailed Hawks, and occasionally, the elusive Gray Hawk.
Cave Creek Canyon: Located in the Chiricahua Mountains near the town of Portal, Cave Creek Canyon is another prime spot for hawk watching. This canyon offers a unique blend of riparian areas and pine-oak woodlands, creating a haven for various raptor species. Hawks commonly seen in this area include Cooper’s Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Zone-tailed Hawks, and occasional sightings of Swainson’s Hawks.
To the west of Arizona, California offers several locations known for hawk migration. One notable site is Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. To the north east, you can visit the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park in Nevada, a great location for hawk-watching. The Great Salt Lake, provides critical habitat for a variety of hawks in Utah. New Mexico has various hawk species. One notable hawk watching location in the southern part of the state is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.