ID Keys: Dark upperparts and light underparts, rufous shoulder,
white tail with band is unique for Buteo raptors
The
White-tailed Hawk is a Buteo of the tropics that only reaches the U.S. in
extreme southern Texas, where it can be fairly common. They can also
be found in parts of Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
They are most commonly found in open habitats with scattered trees and
shrubs. They are one of many species that seems well adapted to
natural fire regimes, and are often attracted to grassland or shrubland
fires as they hunt small animals attempting to flee from the fire's path.
Habitat
White-tailed Hawks are mostly found in
open grasslands with some scattered taller vegetation such as tall shrubs or
small trees.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of small prey animals,
including small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, frogs, snakes, lizards,
birds, and large insects.
Behavior
Hunts by observing from a perch and
swooping down to grab prey when spotted, or by hunting in active flight,
capturing prey with fast steep dives.
Nesting
The nest of a White-tailed Hawk is a
large platform of sticks, usually built lower to the ground than most Buteo
nests, typically around 10 feet from the ground. Both the male and
females will help to build the nest, incubate the eggs, and help to raise
the young.
Song
High laughing screech
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout its range, although some birds make short distance movements
after breeding.
