The Gray Hawk is a tropical hawk that just reaches the United States in southern Arizona and Texas. Even there they are very uncommon, with numbers of nesting birds in the U.S. a few hundred at the very most. They are rather unique in plumage for a Buteo hawk, with slate-gray upperparts, and a finely barred, gray belly and chest. Their range extends from the southern U.S., southward through Mexico and Central America, and into much of northern South America.
Habitat
Gray Hawks can be found in a variety of semi-open habitats throughout their tropical range, often in areas with openings interspersed with dense brush. In the United States portion of their range, they are found almost exclusively in riparian areas, using large riparian trees such as cottonwoods for nesting.
Diet
The Gray Hawk feeds primarily on reptiles, especially lizards and small snakes. It also consumes frogs, large insects, small mammals, and birds when the opportunity arises. Gray Hawks typically hunt from exposed perches, watching for prey before swooping down to capture it on the ground or in low vegetation.
Behavior
Gray Hawks are very agile and nimble hunters, well adapted to hunting in brushy and forested habitats. They will sit on a perch and look for prey, making fast direct flights when prey is spotted. They are adept at flying through relatively thick brush and forest canopies in search of prey. They will also slowly circle or fly low in and around forest areas in search of prey.
Nesting
The nest of a Gray Hawk is usually built within the lower canopy of a tree. It is built of sticks with a lining of leaves or moss. Both the male and female will incubate the eggs, and both sexes will also help to raise the young.
Song
The Gray Hawk gives a loud, piercing series of high-pitched whistles, often described as a repeated klee-yer. These calls are most frequently heard during the breeding season, when adults defend territories and communicate with mates. The species also produces shorter alarm calls and contact notes around the nest.
Migration
Nearly all birds in the U.S. part of their summer range retreat southward into Mexico for the winter. A few may linger near the Mexican border. Considered a permanent resident throughout most of the rest of their range.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Gray Hawk sightings
Similar Species
Quite distinctive in plumage from other Buteo hawks if seen well.
Conservation Status
The Gray Hawk is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of its broad range and stable overall population. It remains fairly common in suitable riparian woodlands and tropical forests from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America. Although habitat loss may affect some local populations, the species is not currently considered globally threatened.
Further Information
- eBird - Gray Hawk
- Audubon Field Guide - Gray Hawk
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Gray Hawk
Photo Information
Photo by Brian Snelson - November 6th, 2007 - Yucatan, Mexico - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License
