Spanning vast deserts, lush forests, and sprawling prairies, Texas ranks among the largest states in the United States, hosting an incredible array of habitats of Hawks in Texas along key migratory routes. Consequently, this diversity fuels an impressive bird list of 670 Ha Texas as a birdwatcher’s haven.
Members of the Accipitridae bird-of-prey family, hawks are amazing in their eyes and ears for highly effective hunting. Furthermore, their coats usually reflect similarity between males and females, but the females normally reach a greater size, featuring subtle but distinguishable dimorphism.
Widespread worldwide, hawks comprise 24 species that have been documented in the United States, with 19 in Texas. Yet just 15 species are seen consistently, though scarce vagrants such as the short-tailed hawk, roadside hawk, crane hawk, and great black hawk periodically delight avid birders.
With some of the country’s most famous protected lands and birding destinations, Texas provides unmatched opportunities to witness these magnificent raptors in their native habitats. Accordingly, the following guide examines 17 hawk species frequently observed in Texas, describing their habits, behaviors, habitats, and conservation issues.
“The hawk’s keen eye sees what we cannot, a reminder of nature’s precision.” – John James Audubon, American ornithologist.
Key Takeaways:
- Texas hosts 17 unique hawk species, each adapted to distinct ecosystems.
- Hawks control rodent and insect populations, supporting ecological health.
- Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change threaten hawk survival.
- Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, are vital for their future.
- Top birdwatching sites like the Rio Grande Valley offer prime hawk-spotting opportunities.
The Surprising Reason Hawks Love Texas:
Texas’s varied landscapes provide a perfect setting for hawks. From the dry Chihuahuan Desert to the wet Gulf Coast, the state’s environments offer diverse prey, nesting areas, and flyways. Hawks thrive in these environments, employing acute vision, strong talons, and nimble flight to hunt over open fields, dense forests, and cities.
Strategically located along the Central Flyway, Texas is an important migratory route. Several species of hawks migrate through or overwinter in Texas, thus increasing biodiversity. Also, seasonal offerings, such as spring flowers or autumn harvests, further increase prey availability, making Texas an even more desirable stopover for migrating birds.
17 Types of Hawks in Texas (ID Guide with Photos!)
Texas is home to 17 hawk species, each with distinct traits and ecological roles. Below, we explore each species in detail, providing key facts followed by comprehensive paragraphs.
1. Red-Tailed Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Life Span: 10–21 years
- Size: 18–26 in (45–65 cm)
- Weight: 24–51 oz (690–1460 g)
- Wingspan: 43–57 in (110–145 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Behavior: Solitary, territorial
- Habitat: Open fields, woodlands, urban areas
IConic for its rusty-red tail, the Red-tailed Hawk is the most ubiquitous raptor in Texas. Its loud, piercing screech is heard commonly along roadsides, where it rides on utility poles or cruises high over highways in broad circles. The hawks easily thrive in urban habitats, enjoying the urban jungle in such cities as Austin and San Antonio.
They construct large nests made of sticks in tall trees, cliffs, or even billboards, usually reusing them for several seasons. They feed mainly on rodents such as rabbits and mice, thus acting as natural pest control agents.
Red-tailed hawks perform dramatic aerial courtship during breeding season, diving and spiraling in pairs. As monogamous birds, they are long-term mates for life. Their adaptability also reflects in hunting methods, enabling them to survive in various environments.
In Texas, their population is stable, but urban sprawl-induced habitat fragmentation may restrict nesting sites in certain regions, presenting difficulties for the species.
2. Red-Shouldered Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus
- Life Span: 10–20 years
- Size: 16–24 in (40–60 cm)
- Weight: 17–27 oz (480–770 g)
- Wingspan: 37–43 in (94–110 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, amphibians, snakes
- Behavior: Vocal, territorial
- Habitat: Wooded areas, riverbanks
Characterized by reddish-brown shoulders, the Red-shouldered Hawk prefers East Texas’s dense forests and wetlands. Its whistling call can be heard clearly through piney woods and along riversides, announcing its presence. Low perches are where these hawks hunt, swooping in to grab frogs, snakes, or small mammals along water sources. Interestingly, their habituation to urban edges.
Red-shouldered Hawks construct small nests in tree forks, usually concealed by thick vegetation. By nature, they are highly territorial, and they will vigorously defend their nesting areas from trespassers. On courtship flights, pairs engage in synchronized flights, calling vociferously to reaffirm their relationship.
In Texas, their numbers are healthy, but drainage of wetlands and deforestation are constant dangers to their chosen habitats, reducing their nesting and hunting areas.
“But those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31.
3. Cooper’s Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter cooperii
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 14–20 in (35–50 cm)
- Weight: 8–24 oz (220–680 g)
- Wingspan: 24–35 in (62–90 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds, mammals
- Behavior: Stealthy, agile
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs
Fast and evasive, the Cooper’s hawk is an expert at ambushing. Its brief wings and long tail enable it to navigate thick woods, pursuing small birds such as sparrows and doves. In Texas, these hawks are found in residential areas, where bird feeders draw their prey. Their slate-gray backs and reddish-barred chests are ideal camouflage against trees.
Cooper’s hawks make platform nests in tall trees using twigs and bark. They are fearless hunters and frequently attack close to human presence, creating problems with backyard birders. Pesticides that kill songbirds threaten their source of food. Efforts at conservation target decreasing chemical use to help safeguard their prey base.
4. Harris’s Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Parabuteo unicinctus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 18–23 in (46–59 cm)
- Weight: 18–31 oz (510–880 g)
- Wingspan: 40–47 in (100–120 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards
- Behavior: Social, cooperative
- Habitat: Deserts, scrublands
Unique for its pack-hunting behavior, the Harris’s hawk is a South Texas standout. Its dark brown plumage and reddish wing patches shine in the arid landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley. These hawks hunt in groups, with some flushing prey like rabbits or birds while others strike, showcasing rare teamwork among raptors. This strategy boosts their hunting success in sparse desert environments.
Harris’s hawks nest in low trees, mesquite thickets, or cacti, using thorny branches for protection. Their social structure extends to family groups, where offspring from previous years help raise new chicks. Popular in falconry due to their intelligence and cooperative nature, Harris’s hawks face habitat loss from agricultural expansion but remain resilient in Texas’s deserts.
“The hawk does not fear the wind; it rides it.” – Native American proverb.
5. Swainson’s Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo swainsoni
- Life Span: 10–16 years
- Size: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
- Weight: 20–40 oz (565–1135 g)
- Wingspan: 46–54 in (117–137 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small mammals
- Behavior: Migratory, social
- Habitat: Grasslands, farmlands
Elegant and far-traveling, the Swainson’s hawk breeds in Texas’s open prairies before migrating to Argentina for winter, a journey of over 6,000 miles. Its slender body and long, pointed wings aid in this epic flight. These hawks specialize in insects, hovering over fields to snatch grasshoppers, though they also hunt small mammals like voles during breeding season.
Swainson’s hawks build simple nests in solitary trees or shrubs, lining them with grass. Their populations face challenges from grassland conversion to farmland, which reduces breeding sites. Conservation programs in Texas focus on preserving prairies to support their lifecycle, especially during spring nesting.
6. Broad-Winged Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo platypterus
- Life Span: 12–18 years
- Size: 13–17 in (34–44 cm)
- Weight: 9–20 oz (265–560 g)
- Wingspan: 31–39 in (80–100 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, insects, reptiles
- Behavior: Migratory, flocking
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands
Compact and nimble, the broad-winged hawk is a forest specialist known for its migratory flocks. Its short, broad wings allow it to navigate dense trees, hunting small mammals and insects. In Texas, these hawks are most visible during spring and fall migrations, forming “kettles” of hundreds soaring together along the Gulf Coast.
Broad-winged hawks nest high in deciduous trees, using sticks and leaves for construction. Their diet shifts to insects during migration, reflecting their adaptability. Texas’s migration corridors, like Corpus Christi, are critical for their survival, offering rest and feeding opportunities.
7. Sharp-Shinned Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter striatus
- Life Span: 5–10 years
- Size: 9–13 in (23–34 cm)
- Weight: 3–8 oz (85–220 g)
- Wingspan: 16–22 in (42–58 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds
- Behavior: Secretive, fast
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs
Petite but fierce, the sharp-shinned hawk is Texas’s smallest raptor. Its short wings and long tail make it a master of tight spaces, chasing songbirds through thickets or suburban yards. Bird feeders attract these hawks, where they ambush sparrows and finches with lightning speed.
Sharp-shinned hawks build well-hidden nests in dense conifers, using twigs and moss. Often mistaken for Cooper’s hawks, they are distinguished by their smaller size and squared tails. Pesticide-related declines in songbird populations threaten their food supply, underscoring the need for eco-friendly pest control.
8. Northern Harrier:
- Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
- Life Span: 7–12 years
- Size: 16–20 in (41–50 cm)
- Weight: 10–26 oz (290–750 g)
- Wingspan: 38–48 in (97–122 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Low-flying, solitary
- Habitat: Marshes, grasslands
Identifiable by its owl-like face, the northern harrier flies low over Texas marshes and prairies. Its long wings and tail make for a buoyant flight, perfect for swooping down on voles and small birds. Males are gray, but females are brown, a unique dimorphism for hawks. Their facial disc improves hearing.
Northern harriers ground nest, covering eggs with grass and reeds. Coastal wetlands and prairies are their strongholds, but agricultural development and wetland drainage pose threats. These open habitats are being conserved to save the birds.
9. White-Tailed Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Geranoaetus albicaudatus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 18–23 in (46–58 cm)
- Weight: 24–43 oz (680–1220 g)
- Wingspan: 50–56 in (126–142 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles
- Behavior: Territorial, soaring
- Habitat: Coastal prairies, savannas
Stunning, the White-tailed Hawk is the queen of South Texas’s coastal prairies. Its white tail feather and gray body make it easy to recognize as it glides high, stooping to pounce on rabbits, snakes, or birds. Hawks of this type like open country, riding thermals to save energy while hunting.
White-tailed Hawks breed on low shrubs or trees, taking advantage of open spaces. Though their numbers are healthy, development along the coast and invasive grasses interrupt their environment. Thus, conservation of native prairies is required for ongoing success.
10. Zone-Tailed Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo albonotatus
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
- Weight: 21–33 oz (600–940 g)
- Wingspan: 46–55 in (117–140 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Birds, reptiles, mammals
- Behavior: Mimics vultures
- Habitat: Canyons, woodlands
Cunning and deceptive, the zone-tailed hawk mimics turkey vultures to approach prey unnoticed. Its black plumage and vulture-like flight trick birds and mammals, allowing surprise attacks. In Texas, these hawks inhabit West Texas canyons and Rio Grande woodlands, blending into rugged terrain.
Zone-tailed hawks nest in tall trees near rivers, using minimal materials. Their elusive nature makes them a prized sighting for birdwatchers. Habitat preservation along rivers is crucial to maintain their populations.
11. Ferruginous Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo regalis
- Life Span: 12–20 years
- Size: 20–27 in (51–69 cm)
- Weight: 32–80 oz (900–2270 g)
- Wingspan: 52–60 in (133–152 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Solitary, soaring
- Habitat: Grasslands, deserts
Large and imposing, the ferruginous hawk is North America’s largest hawk. Dominating Texas’s Panhandle is its light morph, which has a white underside and rusty legs. The hawks prey on rabbits and prairie dogs and fly over open prairies with strong wingbeats. They are apex predators in grassland ecosystems due to their size and strength.
Ferruginous hawks nest on cliffs, in trees, or even on the ground, utilizing sticks and grass. Grassland habitat conversion into agriculture poses threats to their breeding grounds, and concerted conservation is needed to save open habitats.
12. Rough-Legged Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo lagopus
- Life Span: 10–18 years
- Size: 18–23 in (46–59 cm)
- Weight: 25–49 oz (700–1400 g)
- Wingspan: 52–57 in (132–145 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small mammals, birds
- Behavior: Winter visitor, hovering
- Habitat: Open fields, marshes
Built for cold climates, the rough-legged hawk winters in Texas’s open fields and marshes. Its feathered legs and hovering flight set it apart, allowing it to hunt voles and mice with precision. These hawks perch on fence posts or glide low, scanning for movement.
Rough-legged hawks breed in the Arctic, making Texas a seasonal home. Their winter presence enriches Texas’s raptor diversity, with wetlands and prairies providing essential foraging grounds.
13. Gray Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo plagiatus
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 15–19 in (38–48 cm)
- Weight: 14–23 oz (400–650 g)
- Wingspan: 34–38 in (86–96 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Lizards, small birds
- Behavior: Secretive, agile
- Habitat: Riparian woodlands
Sleek and understated, the gray hawk is a South Texas resident along riverbanks. Its gray plumage and short wings suit dense woodlands, where it hunts lizards and small birds with quick dives. These hawks are less common, making sightings a treat for birders.
Gray hawks nest in cottonwoods or willows, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. Riparian habitat loss from water diversion threatens their survival, emphasizing the need for river conservation.
14. Common Black Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteogallus anthracinus
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 20–23 in (51–58 cm)
- Weight: 28–42 oz (800–1200 g)
- Wingspan: 46–50 in (117–127 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fish, crabs, reptiles
- Behavior: Solitary, vocal
- Habitat: Riverine forests
Rare and striking, the Common Black Hawk is limited to Texas’s Rio Grande riverbanks. With its jet-black plumage and broad wings, it stands out as it hunts fish, crabs, and reptiles, often wading in shallow water. These hawks are vocal, emitting sharp whistles to mark territory.
Their nests, built in tall trees, are sturdy and concealed. However, habitat loss from river damming and deforestation restricts their range, making the conservation of riparian zones critical for their survival.
15. Short-Tailed Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Buteo brachyurus
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 15–17 in (38–43 cm)
- Weight: 12–18 oz (340–510 g)
- Wingspan: 32–39 in (82–99 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Small birds, insects
- Behavior: Elusive, soaring
- Habitat: Woodlands, savannas
Small and secretive, the short-tailed hawk is a rare Texas visitor. Its dark and light morphs confuse observers, but its compact size is distinctive. These hawks hunt small birds and insects while soaring over woodlands, using keen eyesight to spot prey.
Short-tailed hawks nest high in trees, using minimal materials. Their scarcity in Texas, primarily in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, makes them a coveted sighting for dedicated birdwatchers.
16. Northern Goshawk:
- Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
- Life Span: 10–15 years
- Size: 20–26 in (51–66 cm)
- Weight: 22–48 oz (630–1360 g)
- Wingspan: 38–45 in (96–115 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Birds, mammals
- Behavior: Aggressive, secretive
- Habitat: Dense forests
Elusive and powerful, the Northern Goshawk is an uncommon forest hunter in Texas. Equipped with its broad wings and lengthy tail, it is perfectly suited to pursue birds and mammals deep into the woods. As a winter visitor in northern Texas woods, it’s a difficult but exhilarating sight for birders.
Northern Goshawks breed in big trees, strongly defending their territory. Since they are not present abundantly in Texas, this underscores the need for conserving these mature forests, which are crucial for wintering raptors.
17. Roadside Hawk:
- Scientific Name: Rupornis magnirostris
- Life Span: 8–12 years
- Size: 12–16 in (31–41 cm)
- Weight: 8–12 oz (230–340 g)
- Wingspan: 28–34 in (71–86 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small vertebrates
- Behavior: Bold, perching
- Habitat: Open woodlands, roadsides
Uncommon but bold, the roadside hawk is a South Texas rarity. Its small size and brown plumage blend with open woodlands, where it perches along roads to hunt insects, lizards, and small vertebrates. These hawks are named for their roadside perching habits, making them easier to spot than other elusive species.
Roadside hawks nest in low trees, using twigs and grass. Their limited range in Texas, primarily in the Rio Grande Valley, underscores the need to protect open woodlands for their survival.
“In the hawk’s flight, we see the balance of freedom and purpose.” – Rachel Carson, environmentalist.
The Hidden Threats to Texas Hawks:
Urbanization and farming reduce nesting and hunting territory. Grasslands, for instance, essential for Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks, are taken over by agriculture, while forest lands are logged for urban expansion. Hence, preserving natural habitat by means of land trusts and restoration efforts becomes critical to hawks’ survival.
Rodenticides and pesticides kill prey, impacting hawks such as Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned, which feed on small birds. Moreover, urban pollution, such as air and water pollution, damages hawk health. To counteract these hazards, encouraging organic farming and minimizing chemical use is essential.
Changing weather patterns interfere with migration and breeding patterns. For example, droughts decrease prey, and extreme storms destroy nests. Conservationists are working closely to observe these effects and design adaptive measures, like habitat corridors, to sustain hawk resilience.
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Where To Find Common Black Hawks?
Texas’s vast landscapes and position along the Central Flyway make it a premier destination for spotting common hawks, including red-tailed, red-shouldered, Cooper’s, Harris’s, and Swainson’s hawks. From urban parks to remote deserts, the state offers diverse habitats where these birds of prey thrive.
1. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (Rio Grande Valley):
In South Texas, this 2,088-acre refuge has mesquite thickets, scrublands, and wetlands, which make it a hot spot for Harris’s and Swainson’s hawks. Harris’s hawks hunt cooperatively, sitting on cacti or low trees, while Swainson’s hawks fly over fields in spring, preying on insects. The Chachalaca Trail provides unobstructed views of these hawks, particularly during fall migration.
- Habitat: Scrublands, wetlands
- Best Time: Fall for Harris’s hawks; spring for Swainson’s
- Tip: Scan low perches along the trail at dawn for Harris’s hawk groups.
- Why Visit: A migration hub with diverse hawk activity, ideal for group-hunting observations.
2. Brazos Bend State Park (Houston Area):
This park’s wetlands, oak forests, and lakes attract red-shouldered and Cooper’s hawks. Red-shouldered hawks perch near water along the 40-Acre Lake Trail, hunting amphibians, while Cooper’s hawks dart through wooded areas to chase songbirds. Its proximity to Houston makes it accessible for urban birders.
- Habitat: Wetlands, forests
- Best Time: Spring for red-shouldered hawk calls; winter for Cooper’s
- Tip: Use a spotting scope to spot red-shouldered hawks in marshy vegetation.
- Why Visit: Combines easy trails with rich hawk diversity near a major city.
“The hawk’s keen eye sees what we cannot, a reminder of nature’s precision.” – John James Audubon, American ornithologist.
3. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Near Austin):
Situated in the Hill Country, this refuge’s open fields, cliffs, and woodlands draw red-tailed and Cooper’s hawks. Red-tailed hawks soar over prairies, scanning for rodents, while Cooper’s hawks hunt birds in forested areas. The Doeskin Ranch Trail provides open views of soaring hawks.
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands
- Best Time: Winter for red-tailed hawks; year-round for Cooper’s
- Tip: Scan cliffs and treetops for red-tailed hawks using thermals.
- Why Visit: Offers a mix of open and forested habitats with scenic trails.
4. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge (West Texas):
This distant sanctuary’s expansive grassy plains and lakes draw Swainson’s and red-tailed hawks. Swainson’s hawks wing over fields in springtime, catching insects, while red-tailed hawks rest on fence posts throughout the year. The auto loop offers convenient access to roadside sightings.
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies
- Best Time: Spring for Swainson’s hawks; winter for red-tailed
- Tip: Look for Swainson’s hawks hovering like kites over open fields.
- Why Visit: Ideal for observing Swainson’s hawks during breeding season.
5. Hazel Bazemore County Park (Corpus Christi HawkWatch):
A renowned migration hotspot, this park’s hawk watch platform offers panoramic views of Swainson’s and red-tailed hawks during fall migration. Thousands of hawks soar in flocks, making it a spectacle for birders. The park’s grasslands and woodlands also support year-round red-tailed hawks.
- Habitat: Grasslands, coastal woodlands
- Best Time: September–November for migration
- Tip: Join guided HawkWatch events for expert-led spotting.
- Why Visit: Unmatched for witnessing massive hawk migrations.
“The hawk’s flight teaches us to rise above and see the world anew.” – Aldo Leopold, conservationist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Does It Mean When a Hawk Lingers Around Your Yard?
Seeing a hawk lingering around your yard creates wonder about what it wants. Generally, hawks in Texas, like Cooper’s or red-tailed hawks, linger around yards because they’ve discovered a consistent food source. Bird feeders lure small birds such as sparrows, which attract hawks looking for an easy meal. Alternatively, rodents such as mice or squirrels around your yard can entice these raptors.
What Does a Texas Hawk Look Like?
Identifying Texas hawks begins with observing their varied appearances. Overall, Texas hawks possess characteristics such as broad wings, pointed beaks, and sharp eyes, but the species differ. In contrast, Cooper’s hawks are compact, with slate-gray backs, reddish-barred breasts, and long tails to enable quick flight.
Did I See a Hawk or a Falcon?
It can be confusing to tell apart a hawk from a falcon, as they are both raptors with similarities. Nevertheless, Texas hawks, such as red-tailed or Cooper’s hawks, possess wider and rounded wings and hunt in sweeping circles. Also, hawks prefer to hunt by perching or gliding and then dropping to catch animals such as rodents or birds.
Is It Good to Have a Hawk in Your Yard?
Welcoming a hawk in your yard has both benefits and drawbacks, depending on your perspective. Positively, hawks in Texas, like red-tailed or Harris’s hawks, control pest populations by hunting rodents, rabbits, and insects. This natural pest control benefits gardens and reduces the need for chemical solutions. Their presence also indicates a healthy ecosystem with ample prey.
Final Thoughts:
Hawks in Texas are a testament to nature’s resilience and diversity. From the widespread red-tailed hawk to the rare roadside hawk, these 17 species enrich the state’s landscapes and ecosystems.
Their diverse habitats, behaviors, and adaptations make them a fascinating subject for observation and study. Yet, threats such as climate change, pesticides, and loss of habitats underscore the imperative for conservation.
By defending their habitats, minimizing the use of chemicals, and contributing to community campaigns, we can guarantee that hawks will keep flying over Texas for generations to come.
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