Zone-tailed Hawk

A migratory raptor of Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean

Zone-tailed Hawk in Flight

Zone-tailed Hawk

(Buteo albonotatus)

Aguililla aura, Gavilán colifajeado, Aguililla colachinchada, Aguililla negra.

Identification: Large and slender black Buteo with long barred wings and long tail with white bars (adult males show one band, females two). Juveniles are similar to adults, but thinner and barring in their wing and tail feathers.

Migratory behavior: Soars extensively with brief periods of strong flaps. Solitary flyer, but often mix with other raptors using thermals.

Remarks: Aerial hunter that uses its resemblance in shape and flying behavior to a turkey vulture to surprise its prey. Little studied northern populations probably winter in southern Mexico and Central America, and probably mix with resident population from Nicaragua to northern Argentina.