Grey birds that resemble hawks can belong to several different species. Some possibilities include the grey hawk, the zone-tailed hawk, the pigeon hawk, and certain color morphs of red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks. Identifying grey hawk-like birds requires looking at key physical features and behaviors. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and provide tips for identification.
Grey Hawk
The grey hawk (Buteo plagiatus) is a medium-sized raptor found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Adults have grey upperparts, white underparts with fine grey barring, and reddish barring on the belly. The wings are broad with a two-toned pattern. Grey hawks are slender, with a small head and rounded wings in flight. They are most likely to be confused with zone-tailed hawks. Grey hawk behaviors include soaring high in the air and diving swiftly to catch prey. They occupy open woodlands and arid landscapes.
Identification Tips
- Medium-sized with long, rounded wings
- Grey above, white below with reddish belly barring
- Long yellow legs
- Narrow white tail bands
- Soars high in open areas
Zone-tailed Hawk
The zone-tailed hawk (Buteo albonotatus) inhabits Mexico and the western United States. It has grey-brown plumage, pale underwings, and dark flight feathers. The wings have a unique zonally-banded pattern. From below, zone-tailed hawks resemble turkey vultures in flight. They soar with wings held in a V-shape. Zone-tailed hawks occupy open and wooded habitats. They fly high in circles to hunt flying birds, gliding down swiftly to grab prey.
Identification Tips
- Large raptor with wide, banded wings
- Grey-brown overall with pale underwings
- Banded tail pattern
- Soars in circles high overhead
- Resembles a vulture in flight
Pigeon Hawk
The pigeon hawk (Falco columbarius) is a small falcon that breeds across northern North America. Adults are slate-grey above with variable amounts of rusty barring. The underparts are pale with dark streaking. They have a squared-off tail and pointed wings. In flight, pigeon hawks beat their wings rapidly when pursuing prey. Compared to true hawks, they have a faster, more erratic flight style. These falcons occupy open habitats and nest in trees.
Identification Tips
- Small, crow-sized falcon
- Blue-grey upperparts with rusty barring
- Pale underparts with heavy streaking
- Rapid, stiff wingbeats
- Makes swift stoops on birds
Light Morph Red-tailed Hawk
The most common hawk in North America, the red-tailed hawk has variable plumage. The light morph is grey-brown above with a pale underside and darker streaks. The belly is whitish with little streaking. Light morphs lack the distinctive red tail of the classic red-tailed hawk. The tail instead shows narrow bands. These hawks soar over open country using their broad, rounded wings.
Identification Tips
- Large, stocky hawk
- Pale grey-brown upperparts
- Heavily streaked underparts
- Pale tail with narrow bands
- Broad, rounded wings
Light Morph Red-shouldered Hawk
In the western United States, light morph red-shouldered hawks have plumage similar to grey hawks. They are grey-brown above with paler underparts. The wings show black and white crescents when soaring. Compared to red-tailed hawks, they have a longer, narrower tail and fly with quicker wingbeats. Red-shouldered hawks inhabit moist woodlands and forests.
Identification Tips
- Slender, medium-sized hawk
- Grey-brown upperparts
- White crescents on wings
- Long, narrow tail
- Swift flight through forests
Comparison of Species
Species | Size | Plumage | Range | Habitat | Flight Style |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grey Hawk | Medium | Grey with rufous barring | Southwest US and Mexico | Open woodlands | Soaring and gliding |
Zone-tailed Hawk | Large | Grey-brown with pale bands | West US and Mexico | Open and woodlands | Soaring circles |
Pigeon Hawk | Small | Blue-grey with rusty bars | Northern North America | Open country | Swift, stiff wingbeats |
Light Morph Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Grey-brown with streaks | Widespread | Open country | Broad, soaring flight |
Light Morph Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium | Grey-brown with crescents | West US | Woodlands | Swift wingbeats |
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical features, behavior can aid in identifying grey hawk-like birds:
- Grey hawks soar high overhead and make swift dives on prey.
- Zone-tailed hawks soar in wide circles at high altitude.
- Pigeon hawks fly with quick, stiff wing beats when pursuing prey.
- Red-tailed hawks soar and glide over open areas.
- Red-shouldered hawks fly steadily through forests with swift wingbeats.
Watching flight patterns and hunting styles can help distinguish these species when perched birds are difficult to identify.
Range Maps
The ranges of potential grey hawk-like species differ across North America:
- Grey hawks occupy the southwestern US and Mexico.
- Zone-tailed hawks live along the west coast and Mexico.
- Pigeon hawks breed across northern North America.
- Red-tailed hawks are widespread across the continent.
- Red-shouldered hawks occupy eastern and coastal forests.
Knowing which grey hawks occur in your region can help narrow the possibilities. Consult a range map if you are uncertain whether a species resides in your area.
Habitat Preferences
Preferred habitats give clues to grey hawk identity:
- Grey hawks occupy open woodlands and arid landscapes.
- Zone-tailed hawks live in diverse open and wooded habitats.
- Pigeon hawks prefer wide open spaces.
- Red-tailed hawks are most common in open country.
- Red-shouldered hawks inhabit moist forests.
Note the habitats you observe grey hawk-like birds in. This provides information about which species they likely are.
Conclusion
Identifying grey raptors similar to hawks requires a close look at multiple characteristics. Size, plumage patterns, flight style, range, habitat, and behavior are helpful clues. Compare the bird in question to known species and see how they match up. With practice, identification becomes easier over time. Proper field guides and range maps are valuable references. Remember to watch grey hawks closely and note their key identification features whenever you encounter them. Patience and persistence will help zero in on which species you are observing.