Variegated Meadowhawk

Description:

Mature male Variegated Meadowhawks are largely red and brown on the body and the variegated patterning gives them a dusty orange appearance from a distance. Mature females tend to be more brown instead of red. Their wings are clear, but the major veins along the leading edge of each wing are orange which can be noticeable at close range. Immature, or more recently emerged, individuals are overall yellow or yellowish-orange with white spots on the abdomen and white stripes on the thorax—each white stripe on the side of the thorax terminates at a yellow spot. The veins along the leading edges of the wings are yellow instead of orange. As they mature, the white stripes and spots darken, but that pair of yellow spots on the side of the thorax persist.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard.