The Zone-tailed Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey found primarily in the Americas, particularly in open woodlands and mountainous regions. It has a distinctive appearance, featuring dark plumage with a characteristic banded tail, which gives it its name. This hawk is often mistaken for the more common Turkey Vulture due to its similar soaring behavior and coloration. Zone-tailed Hawks primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their unique hunting strategy, where they often fly low and mimic the flight patterns of vultures to surprise their prey. This behavior allows them to blend into their environment effectively while hunting.