White-tailed hawks are large birds of prey found in open areas throughout North and South America. They are easily identified by their distinctive coloration and flying patterns. Here are the key traits to look for when identifying a white-tailed hawk.
Distinctive Color Patterns
Adult white-tailed hawks have striking black and white plumage. The head, back, wings and tail are mostly black, while the undersides are white with fine black barring. The shoulders and upper wing coverts are white, creating a noticeable white patch on the wings when seen overhead.
The tail is whitish below with a wide black band near the tip, which gives the species its name. The legs and cere (the bare skin around the eyes and beak) are bright yellow. Immature white-tailed hawks have more brown plumage overall with less contrast between the dark and light areas.
Large Size
White-tailed hawks are one of the largest Buteo hawks in the Americas. They have a stocky build with broad wings and a short rounded tail. Adults have an average length of 19-22 inches (48-56 cm) and a wingspan around 49 inches (124 cm). Their size is similar to a red-tailed hawk, though white-tailed hawks tend to be a bit slimmer in build.
Soaring Flight
These hawks are most often seen soaring overhead. They will ride thermals and updrafts while keeping their wings flat and straight. The long broad wings allow them to efficiently soar for extended periods without flapping. In flight, white-tailed hawks keep their tail fanned open to show the contrasting black and white pattern.
When flapping, they have slower, heavier wing beats compared to many other hawk species. White-tailed hawks may also be seen perched on poles, treetops or other high vantage points. From perches, they watch the ground below for prey movement.
Habitat
Look for white-tailed hawks in open country throughout the Americas. They occupy grasslands, agricultural areas, wetlands, savannahs and lightly wooded regions from Canada to Argentina. In North America, they commonly occur in prairie states, agricultural valleys of California and open ranch lands of the Southwest.
Range
White-tailed hawks live across a broad range:
- North America – Southern Canada, western United States through Mexico and Central America
- South America – Argentina, Uruguay, south Brazil
They are partially migratory, with northernmost populations migrating southward in winter while other populations are year-round residents.
Diet
These hawks feed opportunistically on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and large insects. Primary prey includes:
- Rodents – mice, voles, ground squirrels
- Rabbits
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Large insects
- Smaller birds
They hunt by soaring high overhead to spot prey, then swooping down feet-first to grab the prey. They will also watch for prey while perched, then fly down to snatch animals on the ground.
Nesting
White-tailed hawks nest in trees, usually very tall ones. They build large stick nests lined with vegetation, often placing them near the treetop. The male and female work together constructing the new nest each breeding season. Nest sites are typically in isolated trees or small groves, providing a clear view of the surrounding habitat.
Clutch size is 1 to 3 eggs. The parents share incubation duties for about a month until the eggs hatch. They both feed and care for the young hawks at the nest for 6-8 weeks until the chicks can fly well enough to become independent.
Calls
Listen for high-pitched squealing calls, described as “klee-ee-eee.” They use these far-carrying calls to communicate with mates or signal alarm. White-tailed hawks also make barking “kak-kak-kak” sounds during courtship or when defending nest sites.
Similar Species
The white-tailed hawk’s distinctive black and white plumage makes it easy to identify. But there are some other Buteo hawks to be aware of when looking at perched birds:
- Red-tailed hawk – Stockier build, lacks white shoulders/wing patch, red tail
- Swainson’s hawk – Slimmer with longer wings, brown plumage
- Zone-tailed hawk – Similar black/white pattern but different tail banding
- Red-shouldered hawk – Smaller with translucent crescents in wings
The red-tailed hawk is probably most similar, but the broader wings, white markings and unbanded tail identify a white-tailed hawk in direct comparison.
Conclusion
Identifying white-tailed hawks comes down to watching for these key features:
- Black and white coloration
- Large, stocky build
- Broad wings for soaring flight
- White shoulders and white-banded tail
- Open country habitat
- High-pitched squealing calls
Learning to recognize their plumage patterns, flight style and habitats where they occur will help you successfully spot white-tailed hawks.