The Sonoran Desert ecosystem surrounding Tucson, Arizona, creates a unique environment that draws a variety of raptors, making the region a renowned spot for birdwatching. These birds of prey exhibit diverse hunting styles and physical traits. The presence of the Santa Catalina, Rincon, and Tucson mountain ranges, combined with the lush riparian corridors, provides varied habitats supporting both year-round residents and seasonal migrants. Understanding which species are present and when they arrive is the first step in appreciating the aerial hunters that patrol the skies above southern Arizona.
Common Resident Hawks of the Tucson Area
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most frequently observed raptor across the Tucson metropolitan area and the surrounding desert, often seen perched atop utility poles or soaring in wide circles. As a large member of the Buteo genus, this hawk possesses broad, rounded wings that are suited for utilizing thermal updrafts to hunt from high altitudes. Adult birds are easily recognizable by the characteristic reddish-brown color of their tail feathers, though western populations can exhibit significant variation in plumage, sometimes appearing darker overall.
The Harris’s Hawk is social, often hunting cooperatively in small family groups, a behavior rare among North American raptors. These hawks are dark brown with prominent chestnut-colored patches on their shoulders and legs, and they have long, yellow legs adapted for navigating desert scrub. They are typically found in the Sonoran Desert’s mesquite and saguaro forests, where several individuals may sometimes be seen perched together on a single saguaro arm.
The Cooper’s Hawk is a year-round resident, particularly in suburban neighborhoods and woodlands. This medium-sized hawk is a member of the Accipiter group, characterized by short, rounded wings and a long tail that allows for agility when flying through dense cover. Adult Cooper’s Hawks display a blue-gray back and reddish barring on their pale underside, preying primarily on smaller birds that frequent backyard feeders and tree canopies. They pursue prey with rapid speed and tight maneuvers, contrasting sharply with the soaring flight of the larger Buteo hawks.
Seasonal and Migratory Raptor Visitors
Tucson’s location along major migratory flyways ensures an influx of raptor species that are not present throughout the entire year. The Gray Hawk is a summer resident that returns to southern Arizona to breed, favoring the cottonwood and mesquite trees along riparian areas like the Santa Cruz River. This medium-sized hawk is a soft, uniform gray color with a finely barred tail, and it is a specialist hunter of lizards and small vertebrates during the warmer months.
The Swainson’s Hawk undertakes one of the longest raptor migrations, traveling to South America for the winter. These hawks are primarily observed during the spring migration, peaking in April and May, and again during the fall, when large flocks can occasionally be seen passing through the area. Identifying features include long, pointed wings and a dark chest band that contrasts with a pale belly, though their plumage also shows a high degree of color variation.
Some species arrive to spend the cooler months in Arizona, such as the Ferruginous Hawk. As the largest of the North American Buteo hawks, this winter visitor can sometimes be mistaken for an eagle due to its size and broad wingspan. It is identified by rust-colored feathers on its legs, which extend down to its talons, and a white underside with rust-colored markings on the shoulders. These hawks prefer open grasslands and desert scrub, hunting small mammals like rabbits and ground squirrels during their winter stay.
Practical Identification and Local Observation
Observing hawks in the Tucson area involves focusing on behavioral clues and silhouettes rather than relying solely on color patterns, which can vary widely. The hawk’s shape in flight is a reliable indicator; the long, straight wings of a soaring Buteo species differ significantly from the short, rounded wings and long tail of an Accipiter like the Cooper’s Hawk. Paying attention to common perching spots can narrow down the identification: Red-tailed Hawks often use high, exposed perches like utility poles, while Harris’s Hawks favor the distinctive arms of saguaro cacti. The presence of a white rump patch is a strong field marker for the Northern Harrier, a ground-level hunter that also winters in the open fields around Tucson. When observing these birds, maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing their hunting or nesting activities, using binoculars or a spotting scope for detailed observation.