Zone-tailed Hawk 

Buteo albonotatus

Description 18 1/2 -21 1/2" (47-55 cm). W. 4' (1.2 m). A mainly black hawk with long narrow wings held in a shallow V like those of a Turkey Vulture. Adults have 3 or 4 pale bands in tail. Immatures have several light narrow tail bands, wide dark terminal tail band, and fine white spotting on black breast.

Voice A loud scream falling in pitch at the end.

Habitat Forested canyons and riverside woodlands.

Nesting 2 or 3 white eggs, often lightly marked with brown, in a large nest of sticks and green branches in a tall tree or cliff.

Range Breeds in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. Winters south of United States.

Discussion Except for its tail bands, this long-winged black hawk bears a superficial resemblance to the larger, nonpredatory Turkey Vulture. This resemblance is thought to deceive small birds and other prey, who allow it to approach. Then, without warning, this supposed vulture makes its catch.

Seasonal Distribution