White-tailed Hawk vs White Hawk

In short

The White-tailed Hawk and White Hawk can be distinguished primarily by their tail patterns and habitat preferences. The White-tailed Hawk has a white tail with a distinctive black subterminal band, while the White Hawk is mostly white with some subspecies showing black on the mantle and tail. The White-tailed Hawk prefers open, arid regions, whereas the White Hawk is a forest bird.

Identification tips

1. Look for the black subterminal band on the tail of the White-tailed Hawk. 2. Note the habitat: White-tailed Hawks are in open areas, White Hawks in forests. 3. Observe the plumage: White Hawks are mostly white, while White-tailed Hawks have rufous shoulder patches. 4. Consider the behavior: soaring and hovering are typical for White-tailed Hawks, while White Hawks are often perched or soaring at forest edges.

Size

Both species are large hawks, but the White-tailed Hawk is more robust and larger overall compared to the White Hawk.

Plumage

The White-tailed Hawk features a white tail with a black subterminal band and rufous patches on the shoulders. In contrast, the White Hawk is predominantly white, with some subspecies having black on the mantle, upperwings, and tail.

Behaviour

White-tailed Hawks are often seen soaring or hovering over open areas, while White Hawks are typically observed perched in trees at forest edges or soaring overhead.

Habitat

White-tailed Hawks inhabit open to sparsely wooded, arid regions, whereas White Hawks are found in forested areas, often at the forest edge.