White-tailed Hawk Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesWhite-tailed Hawk
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 sound
Juvenile
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 sound
Juvenile
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, 2016Similar SpeciesSwainson's Hawk
Adult light morph
Light-morph Swainson's Hawks have dark on the head extending down onto the breast. They also have dark primary and secondary feathers, giving a broad two-tone pattern to the wing, whereas White-tailed Hawks are cleaner white on the breast with whiter underwings, especially the secondaries.
© Steven Mlodinow / Macaulay LibraryColorado, May 31, 2017Similar SpeciesShort-tailed Hawk
Adult light morph
Short-tailed Hawks are smaller with shorter, more rounded wings than White-tailed Hawks. They soar on flat wings, whereas White-tailed Hawks soar with wings raised in a slight V or dihedral.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 13, 2011Similar SpeciesFerruginous Hawk
Light morph
Light-morph Ferruginous Hawks are larger than White-tailed Hawks with longer wings. Ferruginous has pale underparts, lacks a dark band to the tail, and has rufous legs that form a V pattern against the white belly.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 31, 2015Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites(Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae)
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