Short-tailed Hawk vs Zone-tailed Hawk

In short

The Short-tailed Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk can be challenging to distinguish, especially in flight. The most reliable field mark is the wing posture: Short-tailed Hawks soar with flat wings and slightly upturned wingtips, while Zone-tailed Hawks often mimic Turkey Vultures with a dihedral wing posture. Both species have dark morphs, but only the Short-tailed Hawk has a light morph.

Identification tips

1. Wing Posture: Look for flat wings with slightly upturned tips in Short-tailed Hawks; Zone-tailed Hawks often hold their wings in a dihedral. 2. Plumage Morphs: Only Short-tailed Hawks have a light morph. 3. Flight Behavior: Zone-tailed Hawks may mimic Turkey Vultures in flight, while Short-tailed Hawks dive steeply at prey. 4. Habitat Overlap: Be cautious in areas where both species might occur, especially where Zone-tailed Hawks overlap with Common Black Hawks.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized Buteo hawks.

Plumage

The Short-tailed Hawk has both light and dark morphs, with the light morph showing a contrasting white underbody and dark flight feathers. The Zone-tailed Hawk is uniformly dark and lacks a light morph, often leading to confusion with Turkey Vultures due to its similar appearance in flight.

Behaviour

Short-tailed Hawks are known for soaring at great heights and diving steeply at prey, often hanging motionless in the wind. Zone-tailed Hawks engage in spectacular aerial displays and are aggressive in defending their territory.

Habitat

Short-tailed Hawks are found in a variety of habitats, including dense forests and open areas with scattered trees. Zone-tailed Hawks inhabit diverse environments from riparian woodlands to open country, often overlapping with Common Black Hawks.