Texas is home to an impressive variety of hawks, making it one of the best places in North America to observe these powerful raptors. From the widespread Red-tailed Hawk soaring over open fields to the rare Great Black Hawk occasionally seen in the Rio Grande Valley, each species contributes to maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling rodent, reptile, and insect populations.
The state’s diverse landscapes—grasslands, forests, deserts, wetlands, and coastal regions—provide excellent hunting and nesting grounds for these birds of prey. Permanent residents such as the Red-shouldered Hawk and White-tailed Hawk are commonly seen throughout the year, while migratory visitors like the Broad-winged Hawk and Swainson’s Hawk pass through Texas during seasonal movements. Rare species including the Crane Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk are highly sought after by birdwatchers.
This detailed guide highlights 18 species of hawks found in Texas, focusing on their physical characteristics, hunting behavior, and preferred habitats. It offers valuable insights for anyone interested in identifying and appreciating these remarkable raptors across the Lone Star State.
Common Hawks Found in Texas
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and easily recognized hawks in Texas. It has a broad, rounded wingspan that ranges from 43 to 52 inches and a body length between 18 and 26 inches. Adults are distinguished by their reddish-brown tail, pale underparts, and streaked belly band. Their plumage can vary significantly, with some individuals displaying darker or lighter morphs depending on their range.
This hawk is known for its soaring behavior, often seen circling high in the sky while scanning for prey. It primarily hunts mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, but it will also take reptiles and birds when available. Red-tailed Hawks use their powerful talons to seize and kill prey quickly, making them efficient hunters.
In Texas, Red-tailed Hawks inhabit diverse environments, including grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and even urban areas. They often perch on telephone poles or fence posts along highways, making them easy to spot. Their adaptability to different habitats has contributed to their thriving population across the state.
Breeding pairs are territorial and build large stick nests high in trees or on cliffs. In Texas, nesting season typically begins in late winter, and both parents share duties of incubating eggs and feeding the chicks. Their loud, raspy scream is a familiar sound across open Texas landscapes.
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a wingspan of 37 to 43 inches and a length of 17 to 24 inches. Its most distinctive features are its rufous-colored shoulders, barred rufous underparts, and black-and-white checkered wings. Its tail has narrow white bands, which make it easy to identify when perched or in flight.
This hawk is an agile hunter that prefers ambush techniques, often perching quietly before swooping down on its prey. Its diet mainly consists of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally birds. In wetter areas of Texas, it also hunts crayfish and other aquatic creatures, taking advantage of its skill in maneuvering through forested wetlands.
Red-shouldered Hawks are most commonly found in eastern Texas, particularly in forests near rivers, swamps, and other wetlands. They prefer mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, where they can easily perch and hunt among dense trees. Their preference for wooded areas makes them less frequently seen in open grasslands.
During breeding season, these hawks are highly vocal, producing a distinctive “kee-rah” call. Pairs are monogamous and return to the same nesting territory each year, building large stick nests high in trees. Their strong presence in Texas forests makes them an essential predator for controlling rodent and amphibian populations.
Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier, also known as the Marsh Hawk, is a slender, long-winged raptor with a distinctive owl-like facial disk that aids in detecting sound. Measuring 18 to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of 40 to 48 inches, it is easily recognized by its long tail and the white patch on its rump, visible during flight.
This species hunts by gliding low over fields and marshes, using both keen eyesight and acute hearing to locate prey. Its diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, with rodents being a primary food source. Unlike many hawks, the Northern Harrier often relies on stealth, dropping silently on unsuspecting prey.
In Texas, Northern Harriers are most commonly seen during winter as migrants, inhabiting open grasslands, prairies, marshes, and agricultural fields. They prefer wide, open areas where they can fly low in search of food. They are rare breeders in Texas, with most breeding farther north in summer.
Males and females differ in plumage, with males appearing grayish with black wingtips, while females and juveniles are brown with streaked underparts. Their unique low-flight hunting style makes them a fascinating raptor to observe in Texas fields.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized accipiter known for its long tail and short, rounded wings, which allow it to maneuver skillfully through dense woods. Adults measure between 14 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of 24 to 35 inches. They have a blue-gray back, reddish barring on the chest, and a banded tail, while juveniles are brown with streaked underparts.
This hawk is a specialist bird hunter, preying on songbirds, doves, and occasionally small mammals. It relies on ambush hunting, using rapid bursts of flight to chase prey through trees. Its ability to navigate through forest canopies makes it one of the most agile hawks in Texas.
Cooper’s Hawks are found across Texas, especially in wooded areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even city parks where bird feeders attract their prey. Their adaptability to urban environments has made them more common in residential areas in recent years.
Breeding pairs build stick nests high in trees, often reusing old nests of other birds. They are fiercely territorial during nesting season and will aggressively defend their nests. Their presence in urban Texas areas plays a role in controlling populations of smaller birds.
Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s Hawk is a large but slender raptor with a wingspan of 46 to 54 inches and a body length of 18 to 22 inches. It is recognized by its long, pointed wings, pale belly, and dark chest, with some individuals displaying light or dark morph variations. In flight, its long wings and short tail are distinctive.
This hawk is primarily an insect eater, especially during summer when it feeds on grasshoppers, crickets, and other large insects. However, it also preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds when insects are scarce. It is often seen soaring over fields in search of food or foraging on the ground for insects.
Swainson’s Hawks are migratory and are commonly found in Texas during spring and summer. They inhabit open grasslands, agricultural fields, and prairies, avoiding dense forests. Large flocks can sometimes be seen migrating through Texas in spectacular formations.
These hawks nest in isolated trees or on utility poles in open areas. Their migratory journey to South America makes them one of the longest-distance migrators among raptors in North America, and Texas serves as a crucial stopover and breeding ground for them.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest accipiter in Texas, measuring 9 to 13 inches in length with a wingspan of 17 to 22 inches. It has short, rounded wings and a long, narrow tail with squared-off tips. Adults display blue-gray upperparts and reddish barring on the chest, while juveniles are brown with streaked underparts. Its small size and quick flight make it a stealthy predator.
This hawk is a bird-hunting specialist, preying mainly on small songbirds such as sparrows, finches, and warblers. It relies on surprise attacks, darting through dense vegetation with incredible agility to catch its prey. Occasionally, it may also hunt small mammals or insects when birds are scarce.
In Texas, Sharp-shinned Hawks are primarily winter visitors, though a few remain year-round in wooded regions. They favor dense forests, wooded riverbanks, and suburban areas with bird feeders that attract their prey. Their secretive nature often makes them harder to spot than larger hawks.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are solitary outside of breeding season. During migration, they are sometimes seen soaring in groups, especially along Texas coastal flyways. Their presence helps regulate songbird populations, maintaining ecological balance in Texas woodlands.
White-tailed Hawk
The White-tailed Hawk is a striking raptor of Texas’s southern coastal prairies and grasslands. It measures 18 to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of 46 to 56 inches. Adults are easily recognized by their white underparts, gray back, rusty shoulders, and white tail tipped with a dark band. Juveniles are browner overall but still show hints of the characteristic white tail.
This hawk primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles but will also eat insects such as grasshoppers when abundant. It hunts by soaring high and diving swiftly to catch prey or by perching on elevated spots and scanning for movement. Its powerful build makes it an efficient predator.
In Texas, White-tailed Hawks are mostly found in the southern coastal regions, particularly in open prairies and ranchlands. They favor wide, open habitats where their soaring hunting style is most effective. Unlike many hawks, they are less common in wooded or mountainous areas.
Breeding pairs build stick nests high in isolated trees or shrubs. These hawks are non-migratory in Texas and can be observed year-round, especially in the Rio Grande Valley region. Their striking appearance and graceful flight make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Broad-winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized but stocky raptor, measuring 13 to 17 inches in length with a wingspan of 29 to 39 inches. Adults have reddish-brown barred underparts, a dark brown back, and a broad, white-banded tail. In flight, their broad wings with pointed tips give them a compact appearance.
This hawk is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. It prefers to hunt from perches, swooping down swiftly to grab prey from the ground or forest floor. Its hunting style is typical of forest-dwelling hawks, relying on stealth and quick strikes.
Broad-winged Hawks are most commonly seen in Texas during migration, as they breed farther north. However, some populations nest in eastern Texas forests during spring and summer. They favor mixed woodlands near rivers and streams, where they can hunt efficiently.
During fall migration, Broad-winged Hawks form huge flocks called “kettles,” soaring together on thermal currents. Texas serves as an important migration corridor for these hawks, and thousands can sometimes be observed passing through during peak migration season.
Gray Hawk
The Gray Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a length of 18 to 24 inches and a wingspan of 33 to 41 inches. It is slate-gray above, with fine gray-and-white barring on the underparts and a boldly banded black-and-white tail. Its rounded wings and relatively short tail give it a distinctive flight profile.
This hawk primarily hunts reptiles, especially lizards, which make up most of its diet. It also takes small mammals, birds, and insects when available. It hunts by perching quietly in trees before swooping down to grab prey from the ground or low vegetation.
In Texas, the Gray Hawk is restricted mainly to the southernmost regions, particularly along the Rio Grande Valley. It inhabits riparian woodlands, mesquite groves, and areas near streams or rivers where prey is abundant. Its limited range makes it a rare but sought-after sight for birders in Texas.
Breeding pairs are territorial and build large stick nests high in cottonwood or mesquite trees. They are mostly residents in their range and can be observed year-round in suitable habitats in southern Texas. Their loud, high-pitched calls often reveal their presence before they are seen.
Zone-tailed Hawk
The Zone-tailed Hawk is a sleek, blackish raptor with a length of 18 to 22 inches and a wingspan of 46 to 55 inches. Its plumage is mostly dark with faint barring on the underparts and a black tail with white bands. When soaring, it closely resembles a Turkey Vulture, which helps it approach prey unnoticed.
This hawk feeds mainly on birds, reptiles, and small mammals. It hunts by soaring low over open areas or ridges, using its vulture-like flight to blend in and surprise prey. Its stealthy hunting strategy makes it an effective predator despite its relatively small size.
In Texas, Zone-tailed Hawks are rare and occur mainly in the western and southwestern regions. They inhabit rugged canyons, desert mountains, and open woodlands, often nesting on cliffs or tall trees near rocky terrain. Their distribution in Texas is scattered, making sightings uncommon.
They are monogamous and return to the same nesting sites annually. Their resemblance to vultures is a unique adaptation that gives them an advantage when stalking prey. Texas birders prize sightings of Zone-tailed Hawks due to their rarity and striking appearance.
Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in North America, measuring 22 to 27 inches in length with a wingspan of 53 to 60 inches. It is characterized by its pale head, rusty-colored legs and shoulders, and long, broad wings. Light morphs have whitish underparts with rust-colored markings, while dark morphs are mostly chocolate brown.
This hawk primarily preys on small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels. It hunts by soaring high or by perching on elevated spots to scan open areas. Ferruginous Hawks also hunt on the ground, sometimes running after prey, which is unusual for raptors.
In Texas, Ferruginous Hawks are most common in the western and northern parts of the state, inhabiting open prairies, grasslands, and deserts. They prefer wide, treeless areas where they can easily spot and pursue prey. During winter, they are more widely distributed as migrants move south into Texas.
Ferruginous Hawks build large stick nests on cliffs, trees, or even on artificial structures like power poles. They are more frequently seen in Texas during the cooler months, and their impressive size and striking plumage make them a remarkable sight for birdwatchers.
Common Black Hawk
The Common Black Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a body length of 19 to 23 inches and a wingspan of 46 to 53 inches. Its plumage is almost entirely black, with a broad white band across the tail and yellow legs and bill, making it easy to identify. Its broad wings and short tail give it a stocky appearance in flight.
This hawk primarily feeds on aquatic prey, such as fish, frogs, and crayfish, but will also take small mammals and birds. It hunts by perching near water or by soaring low over streams, waiting to swoop down and grab prey with its strong talons.
In Texas, the Common Black Hawk has a limited range, mainly restricted to the southwestern regions near rivers and streams in the Big Bend area and along the Rio Grande. It inhabits riparian woodlands, favoring areas with tall cottonwood or willow trees near water sources.
Breeding pairs build large nests high in trees along rivers, and they are often seen perched quietly near water. Their dependence on aquatic habitats makes them less common than other hawks in Texas, but they are a prized sighting for birders in the right habitat.
Rough-legged Hawk
The Rough-legged Hawk is a large, long-winged raptor with a body length of 18 to 24 inches and a wingspan of 52 to 54 inches. It has feathered legs all the way down to its toes, giving it its name. Light morphs have pale underparts with dark belly patches, while dark morphs are mostly brown with lighter flight feathers.
This hawk primarily hunts small mammals, especially voles, mice, and rabbits. It hunts by hovering in place, scanning open areas before diving to capture prey. Its ability to hover in strong winds is a unique trait among large hawks.
In Texas, Rough-legged Hawks are winter visitors, occurring mainly in the northern and western plains. They prefer open prairies, grasslands, and agricultural fields where prey is abundant. They are rarely seen in heavily wooded areas.
During migration and winter, they perch on fence posts or utility poles, scanning for prey. Their feathered legs help them withstand colder climates, and they migrate back to Arctic breeding grounds in spring.
Roadside Hawk
The Roadside Hawk is a medium-sized hawk measuring 14 to 18 inches in length with a wingspan of about 30 to 37 inches. It has a grayish-brown back, rufous wing patches, and a banded tail. Its yellow legs and fierce yellow eyes make it easily recognizable.
This hawk feeds mainly on small reptiles, insects, and small mammals. It hunts by perching on roadside trees or fence posts, quickly swooping down on prey. Its opportunistic diet allows it to adapt to various environments.
In Texas, the Roadside Hawk is rare and mainly occurs in the southernmost regions near the Rio Grande Valley. It inhabits open woodlands, savannas, and scrubby areas, often near roadsides—hence its name. Sightings are uncommon, making it a special find for birders.
Breeding pairs build stick nests in trees, often near open fields. Though common in Mexico and Central America, its range barely extends into Texas, making it one of the rarest hawks in the state.
Short-tailed Hawk
The Short-tailed Hawk is a small to medium-sized hawk with a length of 15 to 17 inches and a wingspan of 32 to 40 inches. It has two color morphs: light morphs are white below with dark flight feathers, while dark morphs are almost entirely dark brown. Its short, broad tail gives it its name.
This hawk feeds mainly on birds, especially small songbirds, which it catches in mid-air. It hunts by soaring high above forests, suddenly diving rapidly to surprise prey. It occasionally eats insects and small mammals but specializes in avian prey.
In Texas, the Short-tailed Hawk is very rare, with only occasional sightings in the extreme southern regions. It inhabits tropical woodlands and forest edges, preferring warm, humid environments, which limits its range in Texas.
It breeds in tall trees, often nesting high in the canopy. Because of its rarity, spotting a Short-tailed Hawk in Texas is a noteworthy event for bird enthusiasts.
Crane Hawk
The Crane Hawk is a slender, long-legged raptor measuring 18 to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of 35 to 39 inches. It has a striking gray plumage, reddish-orange legs, and a long tail marked with bold black and white bands. Its unusually long legs and double-jointed tarsus allow it to reach into tree cavities for prey, a unique feature among hawks.
This hawk feeds mainly on reptiles, amphibians, and insects, but it also takes small mammals and birds when available. It is an opportunistic hunter, often seen using its long legs to probe into tree holes or crevices for lizards and other hidden prey. Its foraging behavior is unlike most hawks, making it easily identifiable when hunting.
In Texas, the Crane Hawk is an extremely rare visitor, occurring only in the far southern regions near the Rio Grande Valley. It inhabits riparian forests, dense woodlands, and areas near streams or lagoons, where prey is plentiful. Its rarity in Texas makes it a prized sighting for birders.
Breeding pairs build nests high in trees, often in remote, densely wooded habitats. Because it is more common in Central and South America, its presence in Texas is sporadic, usually limited to occasional wandering individuals.
Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk is a powerful, large accipiter with a body length of 20 to 26 inches and a wingspan of 40 to 46 inches. It has slate-gray upperparts, pale gray underparts with fine barring, and bright red eyes in adults. Juveniles are brown with heavy streaking. Its long tail and broad wings allow for agile maneuvering through dense forests.
This hawk is an aggressive predator, feeding on birds, rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals. It hunts with stealth and explosive speed, darting through trees to capture prey. It is known for its fierce defense of nesting territories, often attacking intruders, including humans.
In Texas, the Northern Goshawk is an uncommon winter visitor, primarily found in the northern and western wooded regions. It prefers coniferous and mixed forests, making it rare in the open habitats common across much of the state.
Breeding takes place far to the north, so individuals seen in Texas are usually migrants. Their secretive nature and preference for dense forests make sightings rare, but they are unmistakable when encountered due to their size and aggressive behavior.
Great Black Hawk
The Great Black Hawk is a large raptor measuring 22 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 50 to 55 inches. It is mostly black with a white tail band and yellow legs and bill. Its size and solid dark plumage distinguish it from the smaller Common Black Hawk.
This hawk feeds on a variety of prey, including reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. It often hunts along riverbanks and forest edges, sometimes walking on the ground in search of lizards or frogs. Its opportunistic feeding behavior allows it to thrive in diverse environments.
In Texas, the Great Black Hawk is an extremely rare vagrant, with only a handful of recorded sightings. It is native to Central and South America, and its presence in Texas is considered accidental. When it does appear, it is usually in the southernmost parts of the state, near coastal or riparian areas.
Because of its rarity, the Great Black Hawk is a highly sought-after species for birdwatchers. Any confirmed sighting in Texas is significant, often attracting birding enthusiasts from across the country.
FAQs About Hawks in Texas
What is the most common hawk in Texas?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in Texas and can be seen year-round across the state. It thrives in diverse habitats, including grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and even urban areas, making it easy to spot perched on poles or soaring in open skies.
Which hawk is easiest to identify in Texas?
The Red-shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk are among the easiest to identify due to their distinctive markings. The Red-tailed Hawk has a reddish tail and streaked belly band, while the Red-shouldered Hawk features rufous-colored shoulders and black-and-white checkered wings.
Are there migratory hawks in Texas?
Yes, several hawks in Texas are migratory, including the Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, and Rough-legged Hawk. These species breed in northern regions and pass through or winter in Texas, especially during spring and fall migrations.
What hawk is only found in southern Texas?
The White-tailed Hawk, Gray Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Crane Hawk, and Great Black Hawk are mostly limited to southern Texas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley and coastal regions. Some of these are year-round residents, while others are rare visitors.
Which hawk hunts mostly insects in Texas?
The Swainson’s Hawk is known for feeding primarily on insects, especially grasshoppers and crickets, during summer months. It also eats small mammals and reptiles when insects are scarce.
What is the rarest hawk in Texas?
The Great Black Hawk and Short-tailed Hawk are among the rarest hawks in Texas, with only occasional or accidental sightings. The Crane Hawk is also rare, found only in the far southern regions near the Rio Grande.
Do any hawks stay in Texas year-round?
Yes, several hawks are permanent residents in Texas, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and White-tailed Hawk. These species breed and live in Texas throughout the year.
What hawk looks like a Turkey Vulture in Texas?
The Zone-tailed Hawk closely mimics the flight of a Turkey Vulture, soaring with wings held in a dihedral position. This mimicry allows it to approach prey unnoticed, making it a clever and efficient hunter.
Are hawks important for Texas ecosystems?
Yes, hawks play a crucial role in controlling rodent, bird, and insect populations, helping maintain ecological balance. By preying on small mammals and pests, they contribute to the health of Texas grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
