The Common Black Hawk is a large, stocky, all-black hawk with a single broad white tail band that barely enters the United States in riparian canyons of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is closely tied to streams and rivers, nesting in large cottonwood trees. It hunts aquatic prey by wading in shallow water and catching fish and crayfish.
Best time to see a Common Black Hawk
The best time to see a Common Black Hawk is February–May, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,269 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Black Hawk? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Black Hawk sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Common Black Hawk? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Common Black Hawk is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.