Zone-tailed Hawk vs Ferruginous Hawk

In short

The Zone-tailed Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. Zone-tailed Hawks are uniformly dark with a distinctive banded tail, while Ferruginous Hawks have both light and dark morphs, with the light morph being more common. Habitat differences also aid identification, as Zone-tailed Hawks prefer wooded and riparian areas, whereas Ferruginous Hawks are found in open plains and grasslands.

Identification tips

• Plumage: Look for the dark, vulture-like appearance of the Zone-tailed Hawk with its banded tail, versus the pale body and rusty legs of the light morph Ferruginous Hawk.
• Habitat: Note the habitat; Zone-tailed Hawks are more likely in wooded or riparian areas, while Ferruginous Hawks favor open plains.
• Flight Behavior: Zone-tailed Hawks often mimic Turkey Vultures, while Ferruginous Hawks are more likely to be seen soaring or perched in open areas.

Size

Both species are large hawks, but the Ferruginous Hawk is generally larger and bulkier than the Zone-tailed Hawk.

Plumage

Zone-tailed Hawks are uniformly dark with a distinctively banded tail, resembling a Turkey Vulture in flight. Ferruginous Hawks have light and dark morphs, with the light morph showing a pale body and rusty legs, and the dark morph being mostly dark with some lighter underwing coverts.

Behaviour

Zone-tailed Hawks often mimic Turkey Vultures in flight to surprise prey, while Ferruginous Hawks are more likely to be seen soaring high over open country or perched on poles.

Habitat

Zone-tailed Hawks are typically found in wooded and riparian areas, often near water. Ferruginous Hawks prefer open plains, grasslands, and deserts, avoiding heavily forested areas.