Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-31
| Common name: |
Zone-tailed Hawk |
| Scientific name: | Buteo albonotatus |
| Date: | 5/29/2024 |
| Time: | 9:20 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 8 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Zion NP-- Lava Point, flying on west side |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 37.38338° N, 113.04054° W. |
| Elevation: | 7890 ft |
| Distance to bird: | Unsure, approximately .25 mile |
| Optical equipment: | 10x binoculars, camera with 420mm lens |
| Weather: | Sunny, slight breeze |
| Light Conditions: | Clear and sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | Large hawk |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Hawk |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Dark |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Hawk type |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Dark hawk flying in a slight dihedral. Hawk-like, feathered head and
beak, yellow cere. Feet were also yellow. Broad white band in tail.
Remiges were lighter in color and appeared to be barred. (see photo) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N.A. |
| Behavior: | Soaring |
| Habitat: | Mountain |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Elimination: Different from Turkey Vulture- feathered
head, white band in tail. Different from Common Black Hawk- different habitat, wings were longer and narrower. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen and photographed many, at least 20. |
| References consulted: | None |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Maurice DeMille |
| Observer's address: | 260 N Main St, La Verkin, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 5/29/2024 |
| Additional material: | Photo |
| Additional comments: |