White-tailed Hawk
Geranoaetus albicaudatus
A handsome open-country hawk with a gray back, white underparts, rufous shoulders, and a crisp white tail marked by a single bold black band near the tip.
- Feather type
- Broad flight feathers; white tail feathers with a black band; dense body feathers
- Colours
- Gray head and back, white underparts, rufous shoulder patches, and a white tail with a black subterminal band
- Bird size
- Medium raptor, ~48-59 cm
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Overview
The White-tailed Hawk is a striking raptor of open grasslands and coastal prairies, found from the southern United States (notably the Texas Gulf Coast) through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. Its clean white underparts and tail contrast attractively with a gray back and head and rufous patches on the shoulders.
It is often seen perched on fence posts or utility poles overlooking open country, or soaring high while hunting over grassland.
The combination of a white tail with a single bold black band near the tip, along with rufous shoulder feathers, makes this species reasonably distinctive among open-country hawks.
Identifying the Feather
Shape and Size
Wings are broad and tail moderate in length, typical of a buteo adapted to soaring over open grassland while hunting.
Color and Pattern
- Head and back feathers: slate-gray
- Underpart feathers: white, largely unmarked
- Shoulder (lesser covert) feathers: rufous-chestnut, forming a patch
- Tail feathers: white with a single broad black band near the tip
- Shafts: pale
Distinguishing from Similar Species
The white tail feather with one bold black band near the tip, rather than multiple bands, combined with rufous shoulder patch feathers against a gray back, separates this species from other American buteos, most of which show multiple narrower tail bands.
Plumage & Molt
Adults show a gray head and back, white underparts, rufous shoulder patches, and a white tail with a black subterminal band; sexes look alike. Juveniles are considerably browner overall with heavier streaking and a less distinct tail pattern, taking a few years to reach full adult plumage.
Molt occurs on an annual cycle tied to the breeding season.
Habitat & Range
Found in open grassland, coastal prairie, and savanna from the Texas Gulf Coast through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America, generally avoiding forested habitats.
Most populations are resident year-round within their range.
Behavior & Field Notes
Hunts over open grassland for small mammals, reptiles, and large insects, often perching conspicuously on fence posts or poles, and taking advantage of grassland fires to catch fleeing prey.
Nests in low trees or shrubs in open country. Calls include a harsh, descending scream.
A white tail feather with a single bold black band, paired with a rufous shoulder feather and gray back feather, found in open grassland or coastal prairie of the southern Americas, points to this species.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tail feather clue for this species?
A white tail feather with one broad black band near the tip, rather than several narrower bands, is a strong clue for White-tailed Hawk.
How does the shoulder patch help with identification?
Rufous-chestnut shoulder feathers against an otherwise gray back and white underparts are a useful secondary clue alongside the tail pattern.
Do juveniles show the same clean pattern as adults?
No, juveniles are considerably browner and more heavily streaked, with a less distinct tail band, developing the crisp adult pattern over a few years.
Where is this species typically found?
Open grassland and coastal prairie from the Texas Gulf Coast through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
White-tailed Hawk guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding White-tailed Hawk.
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