White-tailed Hawk Photo Gallery
Adult light morph
In flight note short, white tail with dark band near the tip and broad wings that are pointed at the tips. Light morph birds have dark primaries, white inner wing linings, and a white belly.
© Justin Bosler / Macaulay LibraryTexas, February 06, 2020Adult light morph
Perched birds show a gray head, white belly, and dark wings with a chestnut patch on the shoulder. The wings extend beyond the tail when perched.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 10, 2017Adult
Often soars in wide lazy circles with its wings held in a V or dihedral. Adults are dark above with chestnut shoulders and its namesake white tail marked with a black terminal band.
© Mike Cameron / Macaulay LibraryTexas, September 29, 2018Juvenile
When perched, note that the wings extend beyond the tail. Juvenile birds are dark above with a white breast patch.
© Alex Lamoreaux / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 13, 2017Adult light morph
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryTexas, February 01, 1995Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juvenile birds in flight have a white tail, a dark head, a white throat, and dark inner wing linings. Acquires adult plumage after 4 years.
© brendan galvin / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 25, 2017Adult light morph
© Gregory Griffith / Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 01, 1994Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juveniles are dark overall with a white throat patch and dark belly. The tail is very faintly barred.
© Amed Hernández / Macaulay LibraryLavalleja, January 02, 2020Habitat
Found in open country, primarily savanna, prairie, and dry areas with mesquite, cacti, and bushes; very rarely in open forest.
© Carolyn Wilcox / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 26, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites(Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae)
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