8 Types of Hawks In Texas (With Photos)
Have you ever thought about the many types of hawks in Texas? Texas is known for its wide range of bird species, with over 670 kinds. Among them, there are 19 different hawk species. Each hawk has special traits and interesting habits.
This article will go into detail about 8 hawk species you can spot in Texas. We’ve included great pictures to help you recognize them. Let’s begin our journey into the world of Texas hawks. You’ll see the amazing raptors that fly over this big state.
Before we start, let’s ask ourselves: What makes Texas a top place for hawk lovers? Is it because the state is on key bird migration paths? Or because Texas has a variety of habitats that hawks like? Plus, there are lots of these beautiful birds here. Discover what draws people to Texas to see hawks.
Texas: A Birding Paradise
Texas truly is a paradise for bird watchers. It has a little bit of everything, from the coast to the deserts. This variety makes it a top spot for birds to live and visit.
The Central Flyway also passes through Texas, making it even more appealing for birding.
Diversity of Hawk Species in Texas
From the well-known Red-tailed Hawk to rarities like the Swainson and Zone-tailed Hawk, Texas has it all. This piece will look at 8 hawk species commonly seen in the state. We’ll cover how to spot them and where they like to hang out.
| Hawk Species | Status in Texas | Population Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Red-Shouldered Hawk | Regular Resident | Approx. 1.9 million |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Common and Widespread | N/A |
| Harris’s Hawk | Regular Resident | Least Concern (Stable) |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Winter Visitor | N/A |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Regular Resident | N/A |
| Swainson’s Hawk | Common Migrant | Seen in Flocks of 100-1,000 |
| Northern Harrier | Winter Resident | N/A |
Exploring hawk species in Texas is thrilling for birders and nature lovers. It’s a great way to see unique birds of prey up close.
1. Red-shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name – Buteo lineatus
- Lifespan – 25 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (43 to 61 cm)
- Weight – (486 to 774 g)
- Wingspan – (94 to 111 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk often seen in Texas. They have dark brown upperparts and a red belly. Plus, their tail is big and has black and white stripes. You can easily spot them by their red “shoulder” patch.
Description and Identification
Adult Red-shouldered Hawks are unique. They have red chests and brown heads. You’ll know it’s them by their red shoulder patches. Their wings are black and white. And they make a loud “kee-aah” sound.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
These hawks make nests high in trees. Their nests are built from sticks and lined with soft materials. They lay about 2-5 eggs, which they watch over for about a month. Once the eggs hatch, the young hawks stay in the nest for a few weeks before flying off.
Diet and Prey
Red-shouldered Hawks eat a lot of different things. This includes small animals like birds and mammals. They also like insects and amphibians. They hunt during the day, unlike their owl friends who like the night.
Conservation Status
These hawks are doing well. Their numbers are slowly going up by about 2% a year. They are not in danger because people are working to protect their homes. These birds need big, old forests to live in.
Where to Find Red-shouldered Hawks in Texas
You can see these hawks in eastern and southern Texas. They like being in wooded areas. Look for them in places like Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. They are also in parks like Brazos Bend State Park.
“The Red-shouldered Hawk is a species of low conservation concern, with a population that is increasing at a rate of approximately 2% per year. The breeding population is estimated to be around 1.9 million individuals.”
2. Red-tailed Hawk
- Scientific name – Buteo jamaicensis
- Lifespan – 30 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (45 to 65 cm)
- Weight – (690 to 1460 g)
- Wingspan – (114 to 133 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common bird in Texas. It’s known for its broad wings and reddish-brown tail. This hawk has a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet, making it a remarkable bird in Texas’s skies.
Description and Identification
Its short, reddish-brown tail is the hawk’s standout feature. These hawks are mostly brown on top and white below, with a dark belly band. They make a loud, high-pitched call that you might have heard in movies.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
Red-tails build big nests high in trees and sometimes on man-made structures. They use sticks, lined with bark, and plant matter. Females lay 2-5 eggs and incubate them for about a month. The chicks stay in the nest for over a month before they can fly.
Diet and Prey
These hawks eat small to medium-sized mammals, like mice and rabbits. They also feed on snakes, dead animals, and birds. When hunting, they dive slowly and grab their prey with their sharp talons.
Conservation Status
The Red-tailed Hawk’s population is on the rise. About 3.1 million hawks are estimated to live in North America. They face dangers like getting hit by cars and humans hunting them.
| Breeding Sites in Texas | Breeding Population Trend | Habitat Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| 196 confirmed, 275 probable, and 20 possible breeding sites during 1987-1992 field work | Statistically significant annual population increase of +2.5% based on Breeding Bird Survey data from 1980-2006 | Found in open country habitats, including woodlands with scattered clearings, prairie groves, mountains, plains, and roadsides |
The Red-tailed Hawk is a year-round sight in Texas’s skies. In winter, more come down from the north. They showcase the state’s diverse wildlife beautifully.
3. Harris’s Hawk
- Scientific name – Parabuteo unicinctus
- Lifespan – 15 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (46 to 59 cm)
- Weight – (515 to 880 g)
- Wingspan – (103 to 119 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Harris’s Hawk is a stunning bird of prey mainly found in the southwest United States. It’s well-known in South Texas. You can identify it by its dark belly, reddish-brown wing spots, and a white, dark-banded tail. This hawk also has a dark head and upperparts but stands out with its white rump and shoulder patches.
Description and Identification
This hawk is bigger than a Cooper’s Hawk but smaller than a Golden Eagle. Males are much lighter than females, which is a common difference between male and female birds of prey. Young Harris’s Hawks have white spots on their belly and wings that disappear as they grow. They’re famed for their team hunting, often working together in groups of up to 7 to raise their young.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
Harris’s Hawks nest in various places, from tall trees to cacti. Their nests are made with sticks and cactus pieces, lined with feathers and vegetation. Female Hawks lay about 2-3 eggs at a time, which hatch after a month of incubation. After another 44-48 days, the young birds leave the nest.
Diet and Prey
These hawks are adaptable predators, feeding mostly on small mammals like rabbits and ground squirrels. They also eat birds of various sizes and reptiles. They’re known for their mix of being very attentive yet quick when they hunt.
Conservation Status
The Harris’s Hawk is not in immediate danger, but its numbers have been slowly dropping. About 920,000 are estimated to still be around, but threats like habitat loss and electric poles are concerning. Changes in prey populations are also a significant challenge.
Where to Find Harris’s Hawks in Texas
Harris’s Hawks are pretty common in South Texas all year round. You’ll see them in deserts, wetlands, and urban areas near water. Great spots for sighting include Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and South Padre Island.
4. Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Scientific name – Accipiter striatus
- Lifespan – 12 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (24 to 34 cm)
- Weight – (87 to 218 g)
- Wingspan – (43 to 56 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, fierce bird of prey. It is known for being quick and skilled at catching small birds. They are recognized by their long legs, tails, and small heads, making a unique shape when flying. Their red-orange, blue-grey, and white colors make them stand out.
Description and Identification
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the tiniest hawk in North America, only 9-14 inches long. It weighs 3-8 ounces. It makes a “kik-kik” sound, helping you know when they are near. The females are much bigger than the males.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
They like to build nests high in tall trees, near the trunk. Their nests are made of sticks and lined with bark. A female lays 3-8 eggs, which take 30-35 days to hatch. The young birds stay in the nest for 21-28 days before flying off.
Diet and Prey
These hawks mainly eat other birds, like warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and robins. Sometimes they catch larger birds, mice, and insects.
Conservation Status
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is not in serious trouble. There are about 1 million of these hawks breeding. But they are in danger from pesticides, hunting, and shooting.
Where to Find Sharp-shinned Hawks in Texas
In Texas, you can see Sharp-shinned Hawks in the winter. They are found in forests and near homes. Places like Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge are good for bird watching.
5. Cooper’s Hawk
- Scientific name – Accipiter cooperii
- Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (37 to 45 cm)
- Weight – (220 to 680 g)
- Wingspan – (62 to 90 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Cooper’s Hawk is medium-sized, often seen in the Texas sky. They are known for their broad wings, long tails, and big heads. These raptors are easy to spot. They have blue-gray backs, a black cap, and an orange-red chest. Their tails have dark bands and a white tip. Plus, their eyes are a sharp red.
Description and Identification
They are bigger than Sharp-shinned Hawks, with bodies 14 to 19 inches long. Males weigh 10 to 14 ounces, while females can reach 16 to 24 ounces. They’re brown as young birds. Adults have gray backs and reddish chests, with sharp-dividing black caps and gray napes.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
In tall trees, Cooper’s Hawks make their homes. They reuse old nests or build new ones in mistletoe or on strong branches. The nests are made of sticks, with green twigs and bark inside. Females lay 2 to 6 eggs that hatch after 30 to 36 days. The young leave the nest after 27 to 34 days.
Diet and Prey
These hawks eat small to medium birds and mammals. Their prey includes chipmunks, squirrels, and even bats and mice. They hunt from hidden spots, often crashing through bushes to catch their food.
Conservation Status
The Cooper’s Hawk has a stable population and is of low concern for conservation. Yet, they are threatened by humans, cars, and hunting. Loss of habitat to logging and urban development also challenges them.
Texas: A Hawk-Watching Destination
There are 12 different hawk species in Texas. Each one has its own look and way of living. From the famous Red-tailed Hawk to the beautiful Harris’s Hawk, Texas offers many chances to see these amazing birds.
Top Birding Sites for Hawks in Texas
Some of the best places in Texas for watching hawks are:
- Big Bend National Park
- Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
- Davis Mountains State Park
- Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
- Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
- Brazos Bend State Park
- South Padre Island
These spots are great for seeing various hawks. Visitors can enjoy watching their impressive skills and behaviors. Whether you’re really into birds or just love nature, Texas is the place to be for watching these birds in action.
6. Swainson’s Hawk
- Scientific name – Buteo swainsoni
- Lifespan – 26 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (43 to 56 cm)
- Weight – (500 to 1700 g)
- Wingspan – (117 to 137 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Swainson’s Hawk is a remarkable bird in Texas’s skies. It’s big with dark brown upperparts, long wings, and a wide tail. The tail has fine dark lines and a dark tip. Adult hawks look different. Some have parts that are white with a touch of red-brown. Others are mostly dark brown underneath.
Description and Identification
Finding a Swainson’s Hawk can be fun for bird lovers. They’re big with long wings and a broad tail. Adults can look light or dark, but light is most common. Look for dark flight feathers and unique tail lines for clues.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
Swainson’s Hawks build their nests high in tall trees. They use sticks and soft materials for a cozy spot for their babies. Watching them during the breeding season is amazing. They show off and take good care of their young.
Diet and Prey
These hawks eat a lot of different animals. They go after small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They also catch insects like grasshoppers and dragonflies. This varied diet helps them live in different places in Texas.
Conservation Status
The Swainson’s Hawk’s numbers are steady. But, we need to keep watching them and help out. Bird lovers can make sure they have places to nest, protect the land, and spread the word about their role in nature. Your help matters a lot to these amazing hawks.
Check Our Previous Articles:
7. Northern Harrier
- Scientific name – Circus hudsonius
- Lifespan –16 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – (46 to 50 cm)
- Weight – (300 to 750 g)
- Wingspan – (102 to 118 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Northern Harrier is big and unique. It has long wings, a long tail, and a white back part. Males are grey with some brown on the belly. They have black wing tips. Females are dark brown with brown streaks underneath. They all fly low and hunt differently from most hawks.
These birds eat small ground animals. They sometimes hover before catching their prey. Northern Harriers are found across the central and northern United States. You can also see them in many areas of the USA, Mexico, and even some parts of northern South America in winter.
In the past, these birds saw their numbers drop because of heavy pesticide use. However, they can live up to 12 years. Every day, they fly more than 100 miles. They are unique because one male can have many females. Their eyesight is eight times better than that of humans. So, watching them in Texas is an amazing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What is the most common hawk in Texas?
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in Texas.
Q2. How big are the Texas hawks?
Texas hawks, like the Red-tailed Hawk, typically have a wingspan of about 4 feet (1.2 meters) and weigh between 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kilograms).
Q3. What is the difference between a hawk and a falcon in Texas?
Hawks, like the Red-tailed hawks, generally have broader wings and shorter tails, while falcons, like the Peregrine Falcon, have long, pointed wings and longer tails. Falcons are typically faster and more agile in flight compared to hawks.
Q4. Are there black hawks in Texas?
Yes, the Common Black Hawk can occasionally be seen in Texas, particularly in the southwestern parts of the state near the Rio Grande.
