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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.
Our science teacher believes this is an immature red shouldered hawk.
8 Comments
The California population of Red-shouldered Hawks have much more orange on the breast (even as juveniles) and a more distinctly barred tail (according to Sibley's Guide). I'm thinking it may be a juvie Red-tailed Hawk who is all "fluffed up".
I would not like to be a mouse or squirrel!
Nice!
He's watching you....
And I agree with your science teacher on the ID
Looks like that hawk is giving you stink eye! great photo
That's funny. I took it as sheer ego. I felt it demanded I take it's photo.
Haha, what a wonderful picture! It looks so indignant at having its picture taken.