Bird Info
Gray Hawk /aguililla gris (Asturina nitida)
Voice: Frequently heard alarm call is a very high-pitched “keeEEEErrr.” Also gives a repeated, whistled flight call, “hooweeoo, hooweeoo,….”
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.
A speaker symbol next to the bird indicates that it has a sound file available.All Bird call recordings © John C. Arvin.
Rare Bird Alert
Call (956) 584-2731 to hear or submit an alert.
Nine Unique Locations
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley (Mission)
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
- Estero Llano Grande (Weslaco)
- Harlingen Arroyo Colorado
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
- Quinta Mazatlan (McAllen)
- Resaca de la Palma (Brownsville)
- Roma Bluffs
- South Padre Island Birding
and Nature Center
Birds News
A Birder's Eye View of the Seasons in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley
Welcome to a birder’s eye view of the seasons in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy our annual cycle! The resulting avifauna in deep South Texas is the most diverse north of the Mexican border. The four county area that makes up the lower Rio Grande Valley has recorded over 500 species of birds. This is more species of birds than have been recorded in all but two or three entire states. Small wonder that birders from across the continent make pilgrimages to the region. Happy Birding!
Welcome to a birder’s eye view of the seasons in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy our annual cycle! The resulting avifauna in deep South Texas is the most diverse north of the Mexican border. The four county area that makes up the lower Rio Grande Valley has recorded over 500 species of birds. This is more species of birds than have been recorded in all but two or three entire states. Small wonder that birders from across the continent make pilgrimages to the region. Happy Birding!
Birds Check List
What is a checklist?
A "Bird Checklist" is a complete list of birds that have been seen or heard in a specific region like Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. Checklists can be used as a personal diary of your travels.
Checklists by site:
A "Bird Checklist" is a complete list of birds that have been seen or heard in a specific region like Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. Checklists can be used as a personal diary of your travels.
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Checklists by site:
