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ForestPlatform nestLarge · 746 g
ID tip
The zone-tailed hawk is a fairly large but slender Buteo hawk. Grown birds are 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in) in length with a wingspan of about 117–140 cm (46–55 in). The zone-tailed is comparable in length and wingspan to common large Buteos found to the north such as Swainson's and red-tailed hawk, but may weigh considerably less. Their body mass can range from 565–1,080 g (1.246–2.381 lb). In measurements, the sexes are close in size, but the female, at an average of 900 g (2.0 lb), is much heavier and bulkier than the male, at an average of 637 g (1.404 lb).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Zone-tailed Hawk
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is April, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Zone-tailed Hawk
The map shades 21 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
About the Zone-tailed Hawk
The zone-tailed hawk is a medium-sized hawk of warm, dry parts of the Americas. It is somewhat similar in plumage and flight style to a common scavenger, the turkey vulture, and may benefit from being able to blend into groups of vultures. It feeds on small terrestrial tetrapods of all kinds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Jackal BuzzardButeo rufofuscusThe jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard.
Long-legged BuzzardButeo rufinusPaler individuals of the long-legged buzzard are typically reasonably distinctive but their highly variable plumage leads to mistaken identity.
Short-tailed HawkButeo brachyurusThe short-tailed hawk is an American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles and Old World vultures.
Side by side: Grey-lined Hawk vs Zone-tailed Hawk · Ferruginous Hawk vs Zone-tailed Hawk · Egyptian Vulture vs Zone-tailed Hawk · Jackal Buzzard vs Zone-tailed Hawk · Long-legged Buzzard vs Zone-tailed Hawk
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