Zone-tailed Hawk vs Rough-legged Buzzard

In short

Zone-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Buzzards can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. Zone-tailed Hawks are uniformly dark and often mimic Turkey Vultures in flight, while Rough-legged Buzzards exhibit more variation with light and dark morphs. Habitat is also a key factor, with Zone-tailed Hawks favoring diverse lowland and montane areas, and Rough-legged Buzzards breeding in arctic tundra and wintering in open fields.

Identification tips

1. Plumage: Look for the Zone-tailed Hawk's uniform dark plumage and white tail band. 2. Flight Behavior: Note the Zone-tailed Hawk's vulture-like soaring. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Zone-tailed Hawks are in varied terrains, Rough-legged Buzzards in open fields. 4. Morphs: Rough-legged Buzzards have light and dark morphs, unlike the consistently dark Zone-tailed Hawk.

Size

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

Plumage

Zone-tailed Hawks are consistently dark with a distinctive white band on the tail, while Rough-legged Buzzards show more variation, including light and dark morphs, and often have a pale head and tail with a dark belly band.

Behaviour

Zone-tailed Hawks often mimic Turkey Vultures by soaring with wings held in a slight dihedral, while Rough-legged Buzzards are known for hovering in place during hunting.

Habitat

Zone-tailed Hawks inhabit diverse habitats from riparian woodlands to montane highlands, whereas Rough-legged Buzzards breed in arctic tundra and winter in open fields and marshes.