Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)

The Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) is a distinctive member of the Accipitridae family, known for its mimics Turkey Vulture in flight. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a summer visitor, frequenting the wooded canyons and rivers that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Buteo albonotatus
Family	Accipitridae (Raptors)
Size	14-20 inches (36-51 cm) in length, weighing around 10-24 ounces (280-680 grams)
Habitat	Wooded canyons and rivers
Diet	Small vertebrates
Seasons in Oklahoma	Summer
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Identification Guide

When identifying the Zone-tailed Hawk in the field, look for the mimics Turkey Vulture in flight. This species measures approximately 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) in length, weighing around 10-24 ounces (280-680 grams). In the wooded canyons and rivers habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The Zone-tailed Hawk presents mimics Turkey Vulture in flight, making it a commanding presence in Oklahoma skies. This species belongs to the raptors group and shares the wooded canyons and rivers with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the Zone-tailed Hawk unmistakable.

The Zone-tailed Hawk feeds primarily on small vertebrates, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in wooded canyons and rivers throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) in length, weighing around 10-24 ounces (280-680 grams), with a build typical of raptors
Distinctive features: Mimics Turkey Vulture in flight
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in wooded canyons and rivers
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense vegetation

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the Zone-tailed Hawk takes full advantage of the state's wooded canyons and rivers during its seasonal visits.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the Zone-tailed Hawk primarily inhabits wooded canyons and rivers. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the Zone-tailed Hawk alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The Zone-tailed Hawk's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing important breeding territory.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

During the summer months, Zone-tailed Hawks can be found breeding and raising young in the wooded canyons and rivers of northwestern Oklahoma. The long daylight hours from June through August provide extended observation windows. The Byron Fish Hatchery area north of Jet on SH 38 and the surrounding woodlands are particularly productive spots during this season.

Migration Patterns

The Zone-tailed Hawk's migration through the Central Flyway follows patterns that have been refined over thousands of generations. In Oklahoma, the timing of arrivals and departures varies somewhat from year to year depending on weather patterns, but generally follows predictable seasonal rhythms. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1930, has provided a consistent and protected stopover point for migrating Zone-tailed Hawks throughout its history.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Zone-tailed Hawk sustains itself on small vertebrates, a diet well-suited to the resources available in wooded canyons and rivers throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

As a raptor, the Zone-tailed Hawk occupies an important position in the food chain of the Central Flyway ecosystem. Its hunting strategies have evolved to be highly efficient in the open landscapes of northwestern Oklahoma, where visibility and space allow for effective pursuit of prey.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the Zone-tailed Hawk's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The Zone-tailed Hawk is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable and healthy population across its range. In the Central Flyway, this species benefits from the protected habitats at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation lands throughout northwestern Oklahoma. However, ongoing habitat management and monitoring remain important to ensure this species continues to thrive in the region.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the Zone-tailed Hawk in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of wooded canyons and rivers to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the Zone-tailed Hawk and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the Zone-tailed Hawk along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Glass Mountains

This area provides suitable wooded canyons and rivers habitat for the Zone-tailed Hawk and is worth exploring during summer when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

2. Jet Area along SH 38

3. Washita National Wildlife Refuge

4. Woodward Area

5. Boiling Springs State Park

Birding Tips for Observing the Zone-tailed Hawk

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during the breeding season
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for detailed observation
Patience: Allow time for the bird to exhibit natural behaviors
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the Zone-tailed Hawk in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other raptors you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.