Local Lifer #163 - White-tailed Hawk

White-tailed Hawks, local lifer 163 

My second lifer for 2024 was an incredible find, thanks to my son Jason's sharp eye. While observing a flock of Western Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) on April 30th, he noticed their unusual behavior. Peeking through his binoculars he spotted a bird so high in the sky it was only visible through the lenses. Luckily, the bird eventually came closer, allowing me to capture a few images. Using these images, our local birding expert, Ed Massiah, made the exciting identification: a White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)! This magnificent sighting marked a new bird species record for Barbados.

White-tailed Hawks are large and stocky, measuring approximately 17-24 inches (44-60 cm) in length with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet (142 cm). Adults are primarily gray above with a rufous chest and a white belly. Juveniles, on the other hand, are a darker brown with streaking. Their natural range extends from southern Texas in the United States down through Central and South America, reaching central Argentina and Trinidad. However, in Trinidad & Tobago, they are considered "very rare visitors" (Birds of Trinidad & Tobago by Kenefick et al.).

This remarkable bird not only became my 163rd local lifer, my second for the year but also my 210th West Indian lifer and 378th worldwide lifer.  Days after the sighting the bird was seen multiple times in Kendal St. John.  What a find, what a bird, so far my best for the year - thanks, Jason!