White-tailed Hawk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.