The White-tailed Hawk is a large, handsome raptor of coastal prairies in southern Texas, recognizable by its pure white tail with a single black subterminal band and white underparts contrasting with a rufous shoulder patch. It is attracted to grass fires where it waits on the edge to catch fleeing prey. Outside the US, it ranges through South America.
Best time to see a White-tailed Hawk
The best time to see a White-tailed Hawk is October–February, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,880 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a White-tailed Hawk? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent White-tailed Hawk sightings near you
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