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White-tailed Hawk

Buteo albicaudatus ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A stocky hawk of open to sparsely wooded, arid regions, the White-tailed Hawk is found from southern Texas to South America. Its white tail with a black band near the tip is unique amongst North American hawks.

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Appearance

Hawks
Hawks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium-sized to large hawk. Gray head and back. White underside. Rufous patch on shoulder. Tail white with black band near tip.

Immature Description

Juvenile dark brown on upperparts and head. Chest and belly mostly dark. Variable light patch on upper chest. Tail pale gray with numerous fine, indistinct bars; may have dark band near tip.

Range Map Help

White-tailed Hawk Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    White-tailed Hawk

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Texas
  • First year
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    White-tailed Hawk

    First year
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Texas

Similar Species

  • Ferruginous Hawk also has whitish tail, but lacks dark band and dark inner primaries.