Harris's Hawk look-alikes
Parabuteo unicinctus
Spotted a bird? Identify it instantly with the Birdby app
Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Harris's Hawk. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Key differences
Red-tailed Hawks are generally larger, have a reddish-brown tail (in adults), and lack the prominent rufous shoulders and thighs of the Harris's Hawk. Their underparts are typically paler with a dark belly band. Red-tails are solitary hunters.
Common Black Hawk
Buteogallus anthracinus
Key differences
Common Black Hawks are entirely black with a single broad white band on the tail (sometimes two narrower bands in juveniles). They lack the rufous plumage of the Harris's Hawk and have a different body shape, often appearing stockier.
Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus
Key differences
Zone-tailed Hawks are also dark-bodied but lack the rufous patches. Their tail has several narrow white bands (adults) or is mostly dark (juveniles), contrasting with the single white base and tip of the Harris's Hawk. They often mimic Turkey Vultures in flight.
Explore the Harris's Hawk
Identify birds anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo & sound identification, full species database, and your personal life list.