This is bird note.

The coastal plain of Texas runs from the southern tip of the state to southwestern Louisiana.

Here, many tropical species of birds reach the northern

limit of their ranges, including this large bird of prey, the white-tailed hawk.

Unlike many other hawks, this species thrives here in the grassy plains dotted with

mesquite, yucka, and a few scattered trees.

They're handsome hawks, slate gray above, offset by reddish-brown shoulder patches.

The underside is immaculate white, and so is the tail, which ends in a neat black band.

The wings are more than four feet across and very broad.

White-tailed hawks often hunt by kiting, hovering like a kite in the breeze with the wings held in a V above the body.

From this position, a hawk can drop suddenly on prey like small mammals, birds, lizards, and snakes.

They snatch grasshoppers and other big insects from the air, quickly transferring them to the

beak, a bit of dining on the wing.

When a grass fire breaks out, white-tailed hawks gather quickly to hunt small animals fleeing from the fire's edge.

Otherwise, the handsome white-tailed hawk is a shy bird of prey, staying a good distance from admiring observers.

For Bird Note, I'm Ariana Remmel.