Hawks in New Mexico embody the wild spirit of this landscape, offering an exciting and educational exploration for anyone keen to delve into the world of these fascinating birds. They grace the Southwestern skies, providing bird watchers and nature enthusiasts with a captivating display of avian power and grace.
In the vast landscapes of New Mexico, stretching from the arid desert plains to the lofty mountain ranges, a variety of magnificent birds of prey find their sanctuary. Among these, hawks offer an enthralling sight with their majestic flight and keen hunting skills.
Types of Hawk in New Mexico
Red-tailed Hawks: Frequent sight in open areas throughout the state, particularly in the arid lands near White Sands National Park.
Cooper’s Hawks: Often seen in forests and suburban areas, they are prevalent around Santa Fe National Forest.
Swainson’s Hawks: Known for their preference for open plains, they can frequently be spotted in the grasslands surrounding the city of Roswell.
Northern Harrier: Regularly sighted in marshlands and grasslands such as the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Ferruginous Hawks: Preferring open plains, these hawks can be seen around areas like Clayton Lake State Park.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: These hawks prefer dense forests and can be spotted in the Gila National Forest.
Zone-tailed Hawks: A common sight in wooded areas, particularly along the Gila River.
Harris’s Hawks: Found in the desert areas of Southern New Mexico, particularly around the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
Northern Goshawk: While not as common, they can be occasionally spotted in forested areas such as Carson National Forest.
Rough-legged Hawks: Mostly a winter visitor to New Mexico, these hawks can be seen in the open areas near Taos.
Broad-winged Hawks: Sightings are typically during migration seasons, especially in the northern mountains around the city of Los Alamos.
Gray Hawk: Found in the southern part of the state, these hawks can be seen near the Animas River Valley.
Common Black Hawks: A rare sight, but some can be seen in the Gila Wilderness area, especially near rivers and streams.
Osprey: These fish-eating birds can be seen in locations with ample fishing opportunities, such as the Navajo Lake State Park.
New Mexico Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in New Mexico
Gila National Forest: This extensive wilderness area is home to the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Northern Goshawk, especially in the riparian areas and mixed conifer forests.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge is well-known for attracting a range of raptors including Northern Harriers and Sharp-shinned Hawks, particularly during the winter.
HawkWatch International’s Manzano Mountains site: This site is a prime spot for viewing raptor migration in the spring, with Broad-winged Hawks and Ferruginous Hawks among the visitors.
Santa Fe National Forest: The forest’s extensive wilderness provides a habitat for Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Goshawk, and Cooper’s Hawk and other north American hawks that feast on ground squirrels.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawk Species in Arizona | Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum |
| Hawk Species in Utah | HawkWatch International's Salt Lake City site |
| Hawk Species in Colorado | Rocky Mountain Hawk Watch |
| Hawk Species in Oklahoma | Black Mesa Nature Preserve |
| Hawk Species in Texas | Smith Point Hawk Watch |