Red-shouldered Hawk

There are five subspecies of Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus), which are separated based on geography and physical characteristics. The Florida subspecies, buteo lineatus extimus and buteo lineatus alleni, is paler, having a gray head and very faint barring on the breast. The California subspecies, Buteo lineatus elegans, and the Texas subspecies, Buteo lineatus Texans, however, have more vibrant, deep red markings on the lesser secondary upperwing converts, underwing coverts and breast.

Description:
Red-shouldered Hawks are medium-sized, broad-winged hawks with a relatively long tail and heavy bodies. Adults have a brown head, a dark brown back and reddish underparts with dark brown streaks. Juveniles appear similar to adults, but have creamy underparts with dark brown spots and streaks. Both adult and juvenile Red-shouldered Hawks have rufous lesser secondary upperwing coverts, which give the impression of red shoulders. The tail is dark with 3 – 4 narrow white bands. The flight feathers of adults are barred black and white and show a white crescent-shaped window across the primaries, which is visible in flight. Red-shouldered Hawk’s eyes change color as they age. They have yellow eyes when they are young and brown eyes as adults.

Size:
Female average Length: 19 – 24" Wingspan: 42" Weight:1.5 lbs
Male average Length: 17 - 23" Wingspan: 38" Weight: 1.2 lbs

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