Arizona is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by raptors. This list covers the most notable birds of prey found in Arizona along with descriptions of their unique calls. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, understanding these birds and their vocalizations will enhance your outdoor experience in the Grand Canyon State.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common and easily recognizable raptors in Arizona. Known for its broad, red tail and soaring flight, this hawk’s call is a distinctive, sharp, descending scream that sounds like “kee-eeeee-arr.” This call is frequently used in movies to represent any bird of prey, making it familiar to many. Listening for this call during the day can help locate these hawks perched on roadside poles or circling over open fields.
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized forest hawks that are agile hunters of smaller birds. Their call is a high-pitched, rapid series of “kik-kik-kik” notes, often given during chases or when alarmed. These hawks are secretive but can be spotted near wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods. Their sharp calls help identify their presence even when they are hidden among dense foliage.
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in Arizona, is known for its vibrant plumage and hovering hunting style. Its call is a rapid, high-pitched “klee-klee-klee” or “killy-killy-killy,” repeated in quick succession. These vocalizations are often heard in open fields or along roadsides where kestrels perch on utility wires. Their small size combined with their distinctive calls makes them a favorite among birders.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Arizona’s Great Horned Owls are large, powerful nocturnal predators with iconic ear tufts. Their deep, resonant hoot is a series of four to five low-pitched notes: “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo.” These owls are most vocal at night, especially during breeding season in winter. Hearing their hoots echoing through desert canyons or wooded areas is an unforgettable experience for any wildlife enthusiast.
Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)
The Zone-tailed Hawk is a secretive raptor often mistaken for a turkey vulture due to its dark plumage and soaring flight style. Its call is a sharp, high-pitched “keeeer” or “kree,” rarely heard but distinctive when detected. Arizona’s deserts and canyons provide prime habitat for this species, which often hunts by gliding silently above the landscape. Spotting one is rewarding, and hearing its call confirms its presence.
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Swainson’s Hawk is a migratory raptor that passes through Arizona during spring and fall. It has long, narrow wings and a relatively slender body compared to other buteos. Its call is a sharp, whistled “kip-kip-kip” repeated rapidly, often during flight or territorial displays. Watching their large flocks during migration and recognizing their calls is a highlight of birding in Arizona’s open plains.
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
The Prairie Falcon is a sleek, fast-flying raptor adapted to Arizona’s arid grasslands and deserts. It has a distinctive dark “mustache” mark on its face and powerful hunting dives. Its call is a harsh, rapid “kek-kek-kek” or “kek-kek-kek-kek,” often used during aerial chases or when defending territory. Because of its speed and agility, the Prairie Falcon is a prized sight for raptor watchers.
Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
The Ferruginous Hawk is Arizona’s largest hawk, notable for its rusty-colored feathers and broad wings. Its call is a loud, piercing “kee-eeep” or “keee-yer,” used especially during nesting season. This species prefers open grasslands and desert scrub, making it a spectacular sight when soaring high overhead. Because of its size and distinctive coloration, it’s a standout among Arizona’s raptors.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Golden Eagles are majestic raptors with dark brown plumage and golden feathers on the back of their neck. They are powerful hunters, capable of taking large prey. Their call is a high, thin whistle or series of “klee” or “klee-klee” notes, often heard when soaring at great heights. Spotting a Golden Eagle gliding over Arizona’s mountainous terrain is an awe-inspiring experience for birders.
Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
Though rare and primarily found in northern regions, the Gyrfalcon occasionally appears in Arizona during winter. It is the largest falcon species, with a bulky body and strong flight. Its call is a harsh, guttural “kak-kak-kak” or “kek-kek-kek,” used to communicate during hunting or courtship. Because of its rarity in Arizona, any sighting accompanied by its distinctive call is considered a special event.
How to Choose
When identifying and appreciating birds of prey in Arizona, focus on a combination of physical characteristics, habitat, and vocalizations. Calls are especially useful since many raptors are elusive or perch high out of sight. For beginners, learning the Red-tailed Hawk’s scream and the Great Horned Owl’s hoot provides a solid foundation. More advanced birders may focus on subtle differences, like the Zone-tailed Hawk’s vulture-like glide combined with its sharp call. Location and time of day also matter—owls vocalize at night, while hawks and falcons are mostly active during daylight. Using calls in conjunction with visual cues will greatly improve your identification skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most common bird of prey in Arizona?
A: The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread and frequently seen raptor across Arizona’s diverse habitats.
Q: Can I identify a raptor by its call alone?
A: Yes, many raptors have distinctive calls that can help identify them, especially when visual confirmation is difficult.
Q: When is the best time to hear birds of prey calling in Arizona?
A: Most hawks and falcons are vocal during the day, while owls like the Great Horned Owl call mostly at night, especially during breeding season.
Q: Are all birds of prey in Arizona permanent residents?
A: No, some species like the Swainson’s Hawk are migratory, passing through Arizona only during certain seasons.
Q: How can I distinguish between a Cooper’s Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk by call?
A: Both have similar calls, but Cooper’s Hawk calls are usually deeper and more drawn out, while Sharp-shinned Hawk calls tend to be higher pitched and faster.
Q: Do all birds of prey in Arizona hunt the same way?
A: No, hunting techniques vary widely—from the hover-and-dive method of the American Kestrel to the soaring and ambush tactics of hawks and eagles.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s birds of prey are a captivating group of raptors that enrich the state’s natural landscape with their impressive flight and distinctive calls. From the familiar scream of the Red-tailed Hawk to the haunting hoots of the Great Horned Owl, these vocalizations provide a window into their behavior and presence. Whether you’re hiking the desert, exploring woodlands, or simply enjoying a quiet morning, listening for these calls will deepen your connection to Arizona’s wild places and its remarkable avian predators.
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