Zone-tailed Hawk - Ross Feldner

This uncommon hawk is nature’s stealth bomber. Although it closely resembles a vulture this active predator preys on live animals, even snatching birds out of trees without even landing. Some ornithologists believe that the Zone-tailed Hawk's similarity to the Turkey Vulture is a form of aggressive mimicry that deceives potential prey into believing the hawk is not a threat. By mimicking Turkey Vultures, adopting their soaring and circling style, Zone-tailed Hawks may be able to approach potential prey without causing them to flee.

They mainly prey on small mammals and birds and virtually any type of lizard.

Zone-tailed Hawks live in arid parts of America including Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas.

They easily adapt to varying habitats across their broad range with the largest populations living in rocky areas where they nest in the top or a main fork of a large tree. The nest is a big, bulky collection of sticks lined with leaves. Typically a pine or cottonwood tree is selected. As is common in raptors the older sibling often kills the younger one or outcompetes it for food.

Zone-tailed Hawks have elaborate courtship displays where the male and female fly together, performing loops, rolls, and dives. They will often dive up to 1,600 feet together before breaking away!