Gray Hawk

Asturina nitida

aguililla gris

Voice: Frequently heard alarm call is a very high-pitched “keeEEEErrr.” Also gives a repeated, whistled flight call, “hooweeoo, hooweeoo,….”

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Status: Locally uncommon resident along the Rio Grande from Santa Ana NWR to Falcon Dam; very rare east to Sabal Palm Grove in Brownsville.

Habitat: Riparian woods along Rio Grande.

Best Spots: Santa Ana NWR, Anzalduas County Park, Bentsen SP, Saliñeno, and Chapeño.

Similar Species: Maybe confused with Red-shouldered Hawk in winter, but adult Gray Hawk is gray above and below with pale underwing. In flight, juvenile Gray Hawks show a distinctive white “U-shaped” band on rump.

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Gray Hawk - Range Map

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