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Red-tailed hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Photo by KarenL
Published on Project Noah
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35.8975, -86.8911

Field Notes

Description:

Red-tailed Hawk plumage can be variable, depending on the subspecies and the region. These color variations are morphs, and are not related to molting.
Though the markings and hue vary, the basic appearance of the Red-tailed Hawk is consistent. The underbelly is lighter than the back and a dark brown band across the belly, formed by horizontal streaks in feather patterning, is present in most color variations. The red tail, which gives this species its name, is uniformly brick-red above and pink below. The bill is short and dark, in the hooked shape characteristic of raptors.They have short, broad tails and thick, chunky wings. The cere, the legs, and the feet of the Red-tailed Hawk are all yellow.
Immature birds can be readily identified at close range by their yellowish irises. As the bird attains full maturity over the course of 3–4 years, the iris slowly darkens into a reddish-brown hue. In both the light and dark morphs, the tail of the immature Red-tailed Hawk are patterned with numerous darker bars

Habitat:

Semi rural.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (12)

Well I would definitely hit my brakes to snap a coyote! I only ever seem to see them at a distance in poor light or dead on the road. Maybe we need a PN bumper sticker to warn other road users, "Keep your distance, crazy wildlife photographer on board"! :)
Ha! Ha! Karen! I can totally relate! I once almost caused an accident slamming on my breaks when I saw a coyote. He wasn't crossing the road or anything. I was trying to figure out how I could get a picture! Not my brightest moment!
We have a pair that I think must be nesting somewhere close by as I see them often circling overhead, but this guy was just hanging out in a tree! The only story here is it caused a bit of a "domestic" after I slammed on my brakes so I could stop & take photos - & nearly sent my husband through the windshield!
They are so common, because of that, I never thought they would end up being my favorite raptor, but they are! I always love watching them and photographing them! Yesterday, I watched a pair defend their tree from two other hawks and a raven! They are fascinating! Great shots by the way! Does this one have a story or was he just chilling in a tree?
They are Antonio! They're the most common hawk around here but I never tire of seeing them!

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