Hawk of some kind..

[Chenango Dave]

This was taken this past weekend. Anybody have any ideas what kind it is? A friend tried to tell me its a red tail in winter plumage - but others had different ideas.

 

[clutchkiller]

It's definitely not a red-tail hawk, a red-tail wouldn't have that black band at the base of its tail. Where there any cliffs near where you were shooting? I would say that is a Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus), which is probably wintering in your area. A rare find, great catch!!!

I would rather see something like this over an eagle any day!

edit- oh yeah, hawks do not have a 'winter plumage,' they stay the same color all year... some have different morphs in color.

 

[el_vaquero]

Awesome shot

 

[Chenango Dave]

Thanks for the info Clutch - no cliffs around. One friend from another hunting forum thinks its a Broadwing hawk. I'll have to get out and try and get some better shots of him.

 

[wtnhunt]

Nice shot. Would have to agree most definitely not a red tailed hawk. Am doubtfull it is a broadwinged hawk either. Would agree with clutchkiller that it is most likely a rough legged hawk. They are a just a little bit larger than a red tailed hawk.

 

[clutchkiller]

Dave, I hope you don't mind me doing this to your image. It's the best way I can explain how I identified the hawk (I love this stuff

)

#1) A broad-wing would not have this large break of color in its breast feathers, but the rough-leg does.

#2) A broad-wing would have another black band/bar in this area of its tail feathers, a rough-leg does not have it.

#3) A broad-wing would not have this very dark area of feathers in this location on its wings, a rough-leg does.

Broad-wings are more common than the rough-leg, it's the reason I think you have such a great find. If you become addicted to shooting birds and ID-ing them like I have, buy a Sibley guide. It's the best book I've seen for identifying birds.

 

[Chenango Dave]

Thank you very much Clutch, That definatley helps out. I'll have to get me one of them Sibley guides. And YES- I am becomming addicted.