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Buteo jamaicensis
The western North American population, B. j. calurus, is the most variable subspecies and has three color morphs: light, dark, and intermediate or rufus. The dark and intermediate morphs constitute 10–20% of the population.
The Red-tailed Hawk occupies a wide range of habitats and altitudes, including deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, agricultural fields and urban areas. It lives throughout the North American continent, except in areas of unbroken forest or the high arctic. It is legally protected in Canada, Mexico and the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Spotted on May 4, 2011
Submitted on Jun 4, 2011
3 Comments
I'm pretty sure both of the hawks you have photos of are Red-tailed's. It can be difficult to make the distinction, but I don't think it is in this case.
Hmmm...Our science teacher said red-shouldered. I know it is difficult to tell the difference between the two.
Sure looks like a Red-tailed in this pic. The barring appears in one band below the breast rather than evenly down the breast and abdomen.