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Project Noah Nature School
Buteo lagopus
These large hawks have a wingspan of 120–153 cm (47–60 in) with females being larger than males. There are both light and dark morphs with a wide variety of coloration and pattern.. A broad brown band spans the breast in most color variations. Wingtips extend beyond the tail when perched. Talons are fairly small compared to other similar sized raptors.
Breeds around the norther hemisphere on tundra but winters further south.
I am pretty familiar with Western raptors...I've been volunteering at a birds of prey rehab center for about 15 years...gets me up close and personal...but it's even better to see them in the wild! Ferrug's are lippy, Roughies have eye-liner, Swainson's have a bib, and Red-Tails have belly bands! Got it??? (don't forget that there is an exception to every rule!!!) ;-)
Thanks Christy. I'm just not familiar with the varying color patterns and characteristics of western hawks and don't know what to look for--just not enough experience in IDing them. A good example is the redtail in Bosque that had a lot more yellow around the bill than those that we have here in Minnesota, which is why I went with the ferruginous hawk ID. I'm currently working on another hawk, that I photographed in Kansas that is probably another Swainson's. Will put that up shortly.
Gordon, you're right for this one! Don't start 2nd-guessing yourself...that Red-Tail was unique!! This is a gorgeous Roughie!! Nice capture - great timing!
Spotted on Mar 2, 2009
Submitted on Mar 14, 2012
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