English and Scientific names:

White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus) 

Number of individuals: 

1 individual, Juvenile

Locality: LOUISIANA

Calcasieu

Specific Locality:

Holmwood Mini Loop, Fruge road, East side of road shortly after road turns back south when heading from North to South.

Date(s) when observed:

March 27, 2010

Time(s) of day when observed:  

7:30 AM

Reporting observer and address:

Tommy Harold

Metairie, LA 70005

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

n/a

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

n/a

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Slightly overcast light behind the bird

Optical equipment: 

12x50 binos, 20x scope

Distance to bird(s): 

~20 yards set off the road from parked car

Duration of observation:

15 minutes

Habitat: 

Low brush culvert between two agricultural fields

Behavior of bird: 

Bird was perched upright on a fence post.

Description:

Large Dark brown Hawk with prominent white chest patch, dark bill, white patches on face.

Voice:

did not vocalize

Similar species:

Harlan's Red Tailed (dark bill color eliminated this species)

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

poor quality photos by Tommy Harold attached

Previous experience with this species: 

none

Identification aids:

While observing the bird: Sibley guide to birds eastern region.  After observation with pictures, google image search, cornell allaboutbirds website, feedback from Justin Bosler, Erik Johnson, and John Dillon.

This description is written from: 

made from notes taken during the observation and from photos taken.

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Not 100% positive based on my own limited experience with the species

Date and time: 

submitted 4/6/10