Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-18a


Common name:

Zone-tailed Hawk

Scientific name: Buteo albonotatus
Date: May 23, 2018
Time: 9:15-9:22 AM; 9:49-9:57 AM
Length of time observed: 15 minutes total
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex:  not determined
Location: Zion NP- Lava Point, Washington, Utah
County: Washington
Latilong: 37.3842; -113.0291
Elevation: 7890'
Distance to bird: Approximately 40-50 yards
Optical equipment: 10x42 binoculars, Nikon D750 with 300mm & 1.4 tele (420mm)
Weather: Fair, slight breeze, good thermals.
Light Conditions: Sunny.
Description:        Size of bird: Above average hawk.
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Raptor, similar to Turkey Vulture
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: All black with white tail band.
(Description:)            Bill Type: Hawk-like
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
All black hawk, above average size, wings carried in a slight dihedral pattern like a Turkey Vulture. All dark above, dual tone below like a Turkey Vulture. It had a feathered head, yellow cere, and a hawk-like bill. Broad white stripe in the tail.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: No vocalizations.
Behavior: Soaring pattern riding the thermals along the cliff edge (9:15-9:22 AM). Seen a second time over the mesa and campground area (9:49-9:57 AM) flying fairly low hunting for prey.
Habitat: Mountain woodland.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Wing shape, all dark color, broad tail stripe- characteristic of Zone-tailed Hawk. When it first appeared along the cliff edge it was close enough for a positive ID without binoculars.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Have seen and photographed many Zone-tailed Hawks in Utah and Arizona.
References consulted: None.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Maurice DeMille
Observer's address: 260 N Main St, La Verkin, Utah
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: N/A
Date prepared: May 28, 2018
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: