The Gray Hawk

The gray hawk, aka Mexican goshawk, is found from Central America, through western and eastern Mexico, and into southwestern United States. These hawks face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of farming, ranching, residential, and commercial developments; roads and railroads that divide their territory and can result in vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles); overuse of groundwater, which leads to the disappearance of riparian forests and mesquite woodlands which are crucial for their survival; human disturbance, that can lead to nest abandonment; hunting; accidental poisoning; and climate change, that can cause severe droughts and flooding. However, despite all that, they are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as stable.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Buteo plagiatus
Weight: Up to 16.8 ounces
Length: Up to 24 inches
Wingspan: Up to 42 inches
Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) There are presently an estimated 2,000,000 wild individuals remaining.

2.) They were originally described by Hermann Schlegel in 1862.

3.) These hawks have a preference for forest edges, river edges, clear cuts, savanna, agricultural land, and dry second growth forests.

4.) Lizards, snakes, large insects, mice, gophers, voles, moles, and some birds are all on the menu.

5.) Individuals dwelling in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States migrate south for the winter. However, southernmost populations are sedentary and do not migrate.

But wait, there’s more on the gray hawk!

6.) The call of these hawks is a long, mournful whistle “thoooooweeo, hoooooweeo”.

7.) These hawks are monogamous (mate for life).

Did you know…?
Monkeys, coatis, snakes, and larger birds of prey all hunt these hawks, their chicks, and their eggs.

8.) Males court females by rising and falling in flight, calls, and nest building.

9.) Females lay up to 3 eggs that hatch in up to 33 days.

10.) The female will watch over the eggs, while the male will acquire food and return it to the female.

Now a Short Gray Hawk Video!

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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN

Photo credit: iNaturalist