North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
White-tailed Hawk
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: WTHA (2)
Buse à queue blanche
Geranoaetus albicaudatus
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species; The White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus), is a Texas rarity. It is seen only in the southeastern corner of the state, being the most northerly extension of their population. Can be observed from southern Argentina, north through South America, into Central America and Mexico. Prefers to perch when hunting, seen along highways perched on utility poles, fence posts and trees. Has been known to patrol the perimeters of grass fires, preying on small animals, reptiles and large insects, fleeing from the burn.
Distinctions; Male and females are similar, has a light and dark morph, light morph has grey back and head. Long wings, mostly white underneath, black wing tips, dark tailing edge of underwings. Large rufous wing patch, seen both when perched or flying. White tail, above and below, black subterminal band with white tail tip. As many as four yearly cycles, before reaching mature plumage. Juvenile has dark coloured body, noticeable multi-bands on tail, strong streaking on breast.
Voice; Similar to other hawks' cries, sounds like "ke-ke-ke".
Nesting; Two to three white eggs, one brood per year. Nest built off the ground, usually on a small sturdy tree or shrub in an open landscape, with a view of the surrounding areas, constructed with branches, twigs, grasses and other plant materials.
Life, Habitat and Pictures of North American Hawks
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20" 50.8cm | 51" 129.5cm | 2.3lb. 1kg | Accipitridae | Geranoaetus albicaudatus |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution; Texas population does not migrate, locally present around Brownsville, situated in the extreme southeast corner of Texas, branching out into the open semi-arid scrub lands. 200 and more nesting pairs have been identified in surveys, population appears stable. More common throughout eastern Mexico and into Central America.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.