The red-tailed hawk is a common bird species found in the Sonoran Desert.

The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common birds of prey in the Sonoran Desert, known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail. It is often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on a tree, rock, or utility pole while hunting. The Sonoran Desert's varied habitats, including open areas, scrublands, and desert foothills, provide ample opportunities for the hawk to find prey like small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Other species, like the bald eagle and snowy owl, are more commonly found in different ecosystems, making the red-tailed hawk a distinctive and iconic desert raptor.