ID Keys: Dark overall, broad lighter banding on tail. Very
similar in appearance to Turkey Vulture while in flight.
The
Zone-tailed Hawk is a large raptor that only reaches the far southwestern
U.S. during the summer months. They are perhaps best known by birders
for their extremely close resemblance to
Turkey Vultures while in a soaring flight, and indeed, Zone-tailed Hawks
will sometimes fly in the midst of soaring Turkey Vultures. It is
thought that this mimicry provides Zone-tailed Hawks with a hunting
advantage, as the small prey animals pursued by Zone-tailed Hawks typically
have little to fear from Turkey Vultures, and aren't likely to flee upon the
sight of a soaring Turkey Vulture.
Habitat
Found in a variety of open habitats,
typically in areas with scattered trees for nesting. In the U.S.
portion of their range, they are most often found in riparian areas with
tall streamside trees, with open country nearby.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of small animals,
including small mammals, lizards, snakes, large insects, birds, and frogs.
Behavior
Soars in flight like a vulture, even
using a vulture's typical v-shaped wing position. When prey is
spotted, usually Zone-tailed Hawks will slowly circle closer, maintaining
the vulture mimicry, before diving in a strong attack.
Nesting
The nest of a Zone-tailed Hawk is typical
of that for a Buteo hawk, a large platform of sticks, typically lined with
smaller twigs. The nest is built in a tall tree, or much more rarely, on a
cliff ledge. The female alone incubates the eggs, but both the male
and female help to raise the young.
Song
Zone-tailed Hawks have a high scream similar
to some other Buteo hawks.
Migration
Nearly all birds in the U.S. portion of
their range move southward into Mexico or Central America for the winter.
Zone-tailed Hawks are permanent residents in parts of Central and South
America.
Distinctive in plumage from other Buteo hawks. Most often confused
with Turkey Vulture while in flight.
Also similar to Common Black-Hawk.
Conservation Status
There are currently no
perceived major threats to Zone-tailed Hawk populations, and Birdlife
International cites it as a species of "Least Concern". Populations in
the United States appear to be increasing.
