Grey hawks are a medium-sized hawk that can be found across much of North America. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, shrublands, woodlands, and even suburban areas. Their ability to adapt to human development has allowed them to expand their range dramatically over the past century. This article will examine where specifically grey hawks make their homes and what types of terrain they prefer.
Range and Distribution
Grey hawks reside predominantly in western North America. Their breeding range extends from southern British Columbia and Alberta down through the western United States to Baja California and central Mexico. Some breeding populations can also be found in southern Florida.
During the winter months, most grey hawks migrate south to warmer climates. They winter primarily in the southernmost parts of their breeding range, including southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and throughout Mexico. Some individuals may wander further east across Texas or even into Louisiana.
Here is a table summarizing the primary breeding and wintering grounds of the grey hawk:
| Season | Location |
|---|---|
| Breeding (Summer) | Western North America from southern British Columbia to central Mexico |
| Wintering (Winter) | Southwestern United States and Mexico |
As this range map shows, the grey hawk occupies a large swath of western North America. The population is concentrated in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico but does extend northward along the west coast. Though found in parts of the eastern U.S. like Florida, it is primarily a species of the west.
Favored Habitats
Within their broad range, grey hawks can adapt to use a variety of habitat types. They are generally found in open or semi-open regions, which allow them to spot and pursue prey while flying. Different specific habitats include:
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Shrublands
- Deserts
- Woodlands
- Suburbs and urban areas
Grasslands, savannas and shrublands likely comprise the grey hawks original natural habitat. These open, hot environments provide ideal hunting conditions and access to prey like snakes, lizards and small mammals. Though some individuals still utilize these areas, human development has reduced this type of untouched habitat.
As grasslands diminished, grey hawks adapted to take advantage of new suburban and urban habitats. They are now common in cities, suburbs, parks and other developed areas in the southwestern U.S. These environments provide plentiful introduced prey species like house sparrows and pigeons that have allowed grey hawk populations to thrive.
Though open habitats are preferred, grey hawks have also been found to occupy woodlands and forest edges. These areas likely provide important nesting sites in trees as well as ample small bird and mammal prey. The hawks seem to adapt to most any habitat provided adequate prey availability.
Nesting Habitats
While they may hunt and fly over diverse areas, the nesting habitats grey hawks choose are more specific. Nearly all nests are built high up in large trees, providing security and visibility. Preferred nest trees include:
- Oak
- Pine
- Eucalyptus
- Palm
In woodland habitats, oak and pine trees often provide ideal nesting sites. In urbanized areas, grey hawks frequently nest in tall non-native tree species like eucalyptus that are common in city plantings. Palm trees are also a popular nest site in the southwestern U.S.
Nest heights can range from 16 to 60 ft off the ground. But most nests are 35-45 ft high, presumably to deter potential predators. Nest locations also provide quick access to hunting grounds for the hawks.
Key Habitat Features
Beyond just vegetation type, there are some key features of grey hawk habitat:
Prey Availability
Grey hawks are generalist predators, feeding on a wide variety of small prey. Their habitat must provide abundant populations of:
- Small mammals – rats, mice, ground squirrels, rabbits
- Birds – doves, pigeons, sparrows
- Reptiles – snakes, lizards
- Large insects – grasshoppers, cicadas
Access to plentiful prey is essential for grey hawks to flourish. This need influences what specific habitats they occupy within their broader range.
Suitable Nest Sites
As mentioned previously, large trees for nesting are a critical component of grey hawk habitat. They seem to rely more on nest availability than a specific vegetation type when selecting their breeding habitat.
Open Flying Space
With a wingspan up to 4 ft across, grey hawks need room to maneuver and fly unimpeded while hunting. Habitats like dense forest are generally unsuitable, as they do not provide open flying space. Grasslands, deserts and savannas are ideal.
Elevated Perches
Tall perches provide hunting vantage points for spotting prey at a distance. Common perches include dead snags, utility poles, fence posts and large cacti. These are important habitat elements.
Ideal Habitat Examples
To summarize key aspects of quality grey hawk habitat, here are two prime examples:
Southwestern U.S. City
Many southwestern cities have become grey hawk strongholds thanks to:
- Plentiful introduced bird and mammal prey species
- Numerous trees for nesting – palms, pines, eucalyptus
- Open spaces for flying – parks, golf courses
- Elevated perches – utility poles, buildings
Urbanization has created a new ideal habitat for grey hawks in the southwest. Abundant food and nesting sites allow high densities of hawks to thrive.
Southern Texas Savanna
In natural areas like the savannas of southern Texas, key habitat features include:
- Prey abundance – small mammals, reptiles, grasshoppers
- Scattered nesting trees – mesquite, oak, cottonwood stands
- Open grasslands for flying and hunting
- Woody vegetation and cacti for perching
This type of hot, semi-arid grassland provides excellent hunting conditions similar to the original habitats grey hawks evolved in.
Threats to Habitat
Though grey hawks remain common over much of their range, habitat loss does pose threats in some areas. Major concerning trends include:
- Urban expansion destroying natural areas
- Agricultural conversion of grasslands
- Drought killing nesting trees
- Tree removal in cities
- Wildfires
Careful land management and urban planning can help mitigate these risks. Providing habitat corridors between natural areas and preserving urban green spaces promotes grey hawk survival.
Conclusion
In summary, grey hawks occupy a diversity of habitats across the western half of North America. They require specific features like nesting sites, open hunting ground and ample prey. Original native habitats like grasslands and savannas are still important. But the hawks have adapted successfully to city habitats in the southwest. Careful conservation measures can help maintain healthy populations of this common raptor into the future. Though adaptable, habitat loss remains a long-term threat that must be monitored.
