Arizona’s diverse landscapes provide a unique winter refuge for a variety of birds of prey, making it a prime destination for raptor enthusiasts and birdwatchers. This list covers ten notable birds of prey you can observe during the winter months in Arizona, highlighting their distinguishing features and why each is worth seeking out. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, these raptors offer spectacular sightings amid Arizona’s winter backdrop.
1. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The Bald Eagle is one of the most iconic birds of prey found in Arizona during winter. Migrating from colder northern regions, these eagles frequent lakes, rivers, and reservoirs like Lake Mead and the Salt River. Their striking white head and tail contrast sharply with their dark brown body, making them relatively easy to identify even at a distance. Winter is prime time to see Bald Eagles in Arizona as they gather near open water where fish are accessible.
2. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk is Arizona’s most common raptor and remains year-round, but winter brings increased visibility as prey becomes more concentrated. These hawks are known for their rich reddish-brown tails and broad, rounded wings. They often perch along highways and open fields, making them accessible to casual observers. Their adaptability to various habitats, from deserts to woodlands, ensures they are a staple sighting through the colder months.
3. Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk in North America and a winter visitor to Arizona’s grasslands and desert plains. Named for its rusty-colored plumage, this hawk prefers open country where it hunts small mammals like jackrabbits. You can spot Ferruginous Hawks in areas such as the San Pedro River Valley and the Sonoran Desert during winter, where their impressive size and pale underparts distinguish them from other raptors.
4. Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
Northern Harriers are distinctive for their low, gliding flight over marshes and grasslands, hunting by sound and sight. In Arizona winters, they frequent wetland areas like the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Their owl-like facial disc and long tail with white rump patch make them identifiable even in flight. The species’ presence in Arizona reflects the state’s importance as a wintering ground for northern raptors.
5. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon and remains common in Arizona throughout the winter. These colorful birds sport a mix of blue-gray wings and rusty backs with vertical facial stripes. Often seen perched on wires or fence posts along open roads and fields, kestrels hunt insects and small rodents. Their agility and vibrant plumage make them a delightful raptor to spot during winter months.
6. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized forest hawks that become more visible in Arizona’s urban and suburban areas during winter. They are agile hunters, preying mostly on smaller birds, and their rounded tails and barred chest help differentiate them from similar species like Sharp-shinned Hawks. Winter sightings often occur in riparian woodlands and residential neighborhoods where bird feeders attract prey species.
7. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon is renowned for being the fastest bird in the world and winters in Arizona’s canyons and river valleys. This falcon prefers open habitats and cliffs for nesting and hunting, targeting medium-sized birds on the wing. Their slate-gray back and barred underparts, along with a distinctive dark “moustache” mark on the face, make them unmistakable. Winter is a great time to watch Peregrines hunting during daylight hours in places like the Verde River corridor.
8. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Great Horned Owls are year-round residents in Arizona but are especially vocal and easier to locate during winter nights. Their prominent ear tufts and deep hooting calls distinguish them from other owls. These versatile predators inhabit forests, deserts, and urban edges, feeding on a wide range of prey from rodents to skunks. Winter offers excellent opportunities for nocturnal birders to hear and sometimes spot these powerful owls.
9. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Northern Goshawks are rare but notable winter visitors to Arizona’s higher elevation forests, such as the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. Larger and more robust than Cooper’s Hawks, they have a distinctive white eyebrow stripe and fierce hunting style. Goshawks prefer dense coniferous woodlands where they pursue birds and mammals with incredible agility. Their presence in winter adds a thrilling challenge for advanced birders.
10. Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
While primarily a summer breeder in Arizona, some Swainson’s Hawks linger into the early winter months, especially in southern Arizona’s grasslands. These hawks have a dark belly band and long wings with a distinctive two-toned appearance. They migrate to South America for the winter but can occasionally be seen during mild winters in Arizona’s open habitats. Their graceful soaring and striking plumage make them a rewarding sight.
How to Choose
When deciding which birds of prey to focus on during Arizona’s winter months, consider habitat, accessibility, and your own birding experience. For beginners, Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels are widespread and easy to spot near roads and towns. Those seeking a challenge might pursue Northern Goshawks or Ferruginous Hawks in more remote or specialized habitats. Timing and location are critical—wetlands attract Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles, while desert edges and grasslands favor Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks. Also, consider the time of day; owls like the Great Horned Owl are best seen or heard at night, whereas falcons and hawks are diurnal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Bald Eagles permanent residents in Arizona?
No, Bald Eagles are primarily winter visitors in Arizona, migrating from northern breeding grounds to take advantage of open water and prey availability.
Q: Can I see Peregrine Falcons in urban areas?
Yes, Peregrine Falcons have adapted to nesting on tall buildings and bridges in some Arizona cities, but winter sightings are more common in natural canyon habitats.
Q: How can I differentiate between Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk?
Cooper’s Hawks are larger with a rounded tail tip, while Sharp-shinned Hawks are smaller with a squared or slightly notched tail. Behavior and habitat can also help distinguish them.
Q: What is the best time of day to spot Northern Harriers?
Northern Harriers are most active during dawn and dusk, gliding low over wetlands and grasslands in search of prey.
Q: Are Great Horned Owls territorial in winter?
Yes, Great Horned Owls maintain territories year-round and can often be heard defending their area with loud hoots during winter nights.
Q: Do Swainson’s Hawks stay in Arizona all winter?
Typically no, they migrate to South America for the winter, but some may linger in southern Arizona during mild winters or early winter months.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s winter months open a fascinating window into the lives of diverse birds of prey, from soaring hawks to elusive owls. The state’s varied habitats—from wetlands to deserts and highland forests—offer unique opportunities to observe these raptors in action. Whether you’re chasing the iconic Bald Eagle or tracking the elusive Northern Goshawk, winter in Arizona is a rewarding season for birdwatchers seeking the majesty of birds of prey in the wild.
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