The zone-tailed hawk is a medium-sized hawk of warm, dry parts of the Americas. It is somewhat similar in plumage and flight style to a common scavenger, the turkey vulture, and may benefit from being able to blend into groups of vultures. It feeds on small terrestrial tetrapods of all kinds.
Region
Southwestern North America to northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America into northern and western South America, including foothills and Andean slopes. Prefers warm, dry habitats such as arid canyons, desert scrub, and open pine-oak or thorn woodland, often near cliffs and rugged terrain. Frequently uses riparian corridors, dry washes, and ridge systems for foraging. Often seen soaring on thermals and mixing with turkey vultures over open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hawk often mimics the flight style and silhouette of turkey vultures, holding its wings in a shallow dihedral and rocking slightly to blend into vulture kettles. That resemblance likely helps it approach prey unnoticed. It hunts by soaring over ridges and canyons or contour-flying low along slopes to flush small vertebrates. Northern populations migrate seasonally, while tropical populations are largely resident.
Being rehabilitated in a flight cage at Wild at Heart Raptors.
Zone-tailed hawk
The zone-tailed hawk bears a superficial resemblance to the turkey vulture, pictured here in flight.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with shallow dihedral and slight rocking; occasional quick, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, but often soars in loose association with turkey vultures while foraging. Pairs are monogamous and nest on cliffs or in tall trees within rugged canyons. The clutch is small, usually 1–2 eggs, with both adults participating in incubation and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives high, whistled screams and descending, thin calls near nests or when agitated. Calls are sharper and less raspy than those of turkey vultures.