White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) (above) – A large, long-winged raptor of open country, this species is typically found from South Texas through Central and South America, with only a handful of records in Arizona. Most sightings occur in the southern borderlands, often in grasslands or desert scrub. Its striking white tail with a black subterminal band makes it distinctive in flight.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) – Primarily an eastern and coastal species, it is rare in Arizona, usually appearing as a winter visitor or migrant. Most records are from riparian corridors and wooded waterways, where its reddish barring on the underparts and bold black-and-white wing pattern stand out.
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) – One of the rarest buteos in North America, this tropical hawk is occasionally reported in southeastern Arizona’s sky island canyons, particularly during migration. It appears in both dark and light morphs; the dark morph can be mistaken for other soaring raptors, making confirmed sightings scarce.
Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) – A winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds, this species is rare but regular in small numbers in northern Arizona grasslands and open country. It is identifiable by its feathered legs, pale flight feathers, and dark belly band.