Hawks in Arizona: where to see them and how to identify them

Your best odds for seeing hawks in Arizona are in the southern and central regions. The Sonoran Desert around Tucson and the Sky Islands (like the Santa Rita Mountains) host Harris's Hawks and Gray Hawks. Northern Arizona's ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff are good for Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Goshawks. Riparian areas along the Salt and Verde Rivers also concentrate prey, drawing in Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Check out Arizona's wildlife hotspots for more specific locations.

In Arizona, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Late winter through spring (February to May) is prime for migration, when Swainson's Hawks pass through in large numbers. Early morning (7–10 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) are the most active feeding times. In summer, early morning is key to avoid heat. Fall migration (September to October) also brings many hawks southward, especially along the Mogollon Rim.

Focus on wing shape, tail pattern, and size. Red-tailed Hawks have a classic broad wing and a reddish tail (adults) visible from below. Harris's Hawks are dark with white tail tips and rusty shoulder patches. Cooper's Hawks are medium-sized with rounded tails and barring on the chest. Compare with the similar Sharp-shinned Hawk, which is smaller with a squared tail. For more on identification, visit our hawk identification guide.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread, found statewide. The Harris's Hawk is common in the Sonoran Desert, often in family groups. Swainson's Hawk is a summer resident in grasslands. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks frequent wooded areas. The Gray Hawk is a specialty in southern Arizona's riparian zones. Each species has distinct habitat preferences, so check the Arizona wildlife hub for detailed breakdowns.

Start with the best spots: Madera Canyon (Santa Rita Mountains) is famous for Gray Hawks and migrant raptors. The Chiricahua Mountains offer high-elevation species. The Salt River Canyon is reliable for Red-tailed and Ferruginous Hawks. Use the interactive tool below to find recent sightings and plan your route.