Black-faced Hawk vs Short-tailed Hawk

The Black-faced Hawk and Short-tailed Hawk can be distinguished by their plumage and behavior. The Black-faced Hawk has a distinctive black face and is typically found in dense forest, while the Short-tailed Hawk has variable plumage with light and dark morphs and often soars at great heights.

Look for the black face of the Black-faced Hawk as a primary identifier. For the Short-tailed Hawk, note the soaring behavior and presence of light and dark morphs. The Black-faced Hawk is more likely to be found in dense forests, while the Short-tailed Hawk may be seen in a variety of open and forested habitats.

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized hawks, and size is not a reliable distinguishing feature in the field.

The Black-faced Hawk features a distinctive black face and white underparts, while the Short-tailed Hawk exhibits two color morphs: a light morph with white underparts and a dark morph that is mostly dark brown. The presence of a black face is a key identifier for the Black-faced Hawk.

The Short-tailed Hawk is known for soaring at great heights with flat wings and slightly upturned wingtips, often mistaken for a vulture. It hunts by hanging motionless in the wind and diving steeply at prey. The Black-faced Hawk's behavior is less documented but is generally more secretive and less likely to be seen soaring.

The Black-faced Hawk is typically found in dense, wet forests, while the Short-tailed Hawk occupies a range of habitats including forests, savannas, and suburban areas. The Short-tailed Hawk is more adaptable to different environments.