Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Zone-tailed Hawk
Scientific name:	Buteo albonotatus
Date:	7/28/25
Time:	6:00pm
Length of time observed:	2 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	unknown
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Kanab WTP
County:	Kane
Latilong:	unknown
Elevation:	unknown
Distance to bird:	Approx 150 feet
Optical equipment:	Camera only
Weather:	Clear
Light Conditions:	Daylight
Description: Size of bird:	Comparable to RTHA
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Classic buteo shape
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Dark black when perched, two-tone wings in flight - white/gray trailing black, tail showed thick black band along outer edge and thick white band inside. Further tail detail could not be seen.
(Description:) Bill Type:	Yellow - no further detail could be seen
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Bird was perched on a four foot fence post as I rode past at a range of ~150 feet. Seemed like a BLVU at a glance, aside from visible yellow bill. When the bird took flight, the color pattern of its underwings and tail caught my attention. The wings were reminiscent of a TUVU with white or gray trailing black, and the tail showed two thick bars, black outside and white inside. I couldn't make out any additional detail on the tail at my range without binos. I managed to get a very poor quality photo as the bird grew distant that hsows the color contrast, particularly on the tail. (see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery:	n/a
Behavior:	Perched
Habitat:	Scrubby desert. Adjacent to WTP but not interacting with water habitat.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	COBH - Seems significantly less likely in this area. Habitat was much more suitable for ZTHA. Tail is longer and less stocky that I would expect in COBH. Wing pattern was a cleaner light/dark contrast from front to back than I would expect in COBH. TUVU - Clear distinction in tail color/size/beak shape and color. RLHA - Out of range. RTHA - Tail bands don't match western. GOEA - Not nearly large enough, aside from many other things.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Little - only seen ZTHA in the scrubby desert habitat of Central Texas on a couple occasions.
References consulted:
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Tony Adler
Observer's address:	916 Meadow View Dr.
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	7/29/25
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Very curious about this bird. Despite the rarity of ZTHA in this location and the weak observation/photo, I cannot find a suitable alternative.