Publication Date
6-1-2003
Abstract
The White‑tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus) is unusual for a Buteo in having three immature plumages: juvenile, Basic I, and Basic II. Most buteos have only one immature plumage, juvenile, and no others have three. I will show and describe the differences in these plumages, including that of adults, using slides of hawks in hand, perched, and flying. Juveniles are overall dark, quite different from adults. They could be mistaken for dark Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni). Basic I birds have white breasts and dark belly bands, appearing somewhat similar to some Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). Basic II birds are nearly adult in appearance. There are apparently no sexual differences in plumages.
Creative Commons License
Recommended Citation
Clark, William S.
(2003)
"Age Classes of the White-Tailed Hawk,"
Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 36:
Iss.
2, Article 26.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol36/iss2/26