White-tailed Hawk

Geranoaetus albicaudatus

eBird provides this description for the White-tailed Hawk:  Strikingly patterned raptor, usually found in open grassy areas or agricultural fields with scattered bushes. Wings are long and pointed but broad at the base which makes the tail look relatively short. Adults are clean white below with gray upperparts and rufous patch on shoulder. Tail is white with black band near the tip. Young birds are darker with dark markings on the belly; especially note dark gray wings, pale grayish-brown tail, and wing shape. Hovers more frequently than other large raptors. Widespread in Central and South America; limited range in U.S.

I got my first good look this bird during a boatride at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge on the morning of November 19, 2024, during my trip to Belize with The Texas Ornithological Society.  I was delighted that this bird circled and hovered over the New River long enough for us to get some excellent looks.  Below are some of the pictures I took that morning.