Zone-Tailed Hawk

A slim, dark raptor of the Americas that hunts by soaring low over canyons, woodland and open country, mimicking the flight silhouette of Turkey Vultures closely enough to slip in among them unnoticed by prey. Look for the telltale white bands on an otherwise vulture-like tail and a sudden stoop when it spots a lizard, bird or small mammal below. Scanning mixed soaring flocks of vultures, rather than searching separately, is often the most reliable way to pick one out.