Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-22
| Common name: |
Zone-tailed Hawk |
| Scientific name: | Buteo albonotatus |
| Date: | Jun 25, 2016 |
| Time: | 7:40 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 10 mins |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | 1 ad, 1 imm |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Lytle Ranch |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 2,800' |
| Distance to bird: | 100 yards to 1/4 mile |
| Optical equipment: | 8x42 binoculars and 500mm lens |
| Weather: | Sunny and clear |
| Light Conditions: | beautiful morning light |
| Description: Size of bird: | large |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | hawk |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | black |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | hawk-like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
All black, with checkered primaries and secondaries from beneath. Adult had 3 white tail stripes, immature had barred tail. Both had yellow bill. Unmistakable--see photos. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | Flying together over wash |
| Habitat: | Desert Riparian |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
None, there is no dark hawk species shaped like this, that shows up in North
America--and clearly not a Turkey Vulture. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Seen in Utah, Arizona, and Mexico on various occasions. |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Tim Avery |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Nate Brown |
| Date prepared: | Aug 30, 2016 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30385388 |