![]() Most adult red-tails have a dark-brown nape and upper head, which gives them a somewhat hooded appearance, while the throat can variably present a lighter brown necklace.Įspecially in younger birds, the underside is covered with dark-brown spotting, and some adults may also show this stippling. A whitish underbelly with a dark brown band across the belly, formed by horizontal streaks in feather patterning, is present in most, though not all, color variations. Red-tailed hawks have variable plumage, depending on the subspecies and the region. Of course, the birds’ plumage colors and patterns also help us to identify which one we are looking at. Plumage Differences Between the Red-Tailed Hawk and Red-Shouldered Hawk They have a more elongated appearance, and their tails are longer in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Red-shouldered hawks are not only slightly smaller and lighter but also more delicately shaped. Red-tailed hawks have broader wingspans, barrel-shaped chests, and short but wide tails. When you look at the bodies of these birds, you will also be able to detect differences between these two species. Anatomical Differences Between the Red-Tailed Hawk and Red-Shouldered Hawk ![]() As in other Buteo species, the female is larger and around 25% percent heavier than the male. Size of the Red-Tailed Hawk and Red-Shouldered Hawk Red-Tailed Hawk:Īs you can see, the red-tailed hawk is slightly larger and typically a little heavier than the red-shouldered hawk. They are also often seen in suburban areas, but typically those with plenty of woodlands interspersed. They prefer to stay in forest or woodland areas rather than the wide open spaces favored by their red-tailed cousins. Red-shouldered hawks, on the other hand, are somewhat pickier. There are not many different habitat types, however, that these birds will avoid. Red-tailed hawks are more common in open landscapes, like fields, meadows, or even desert areas. Red-tailed hawks are present and widespread across the US, while Red-shouldered hawks are primarily found in the eastern United States and a narrow coastal range down the coast of California.Īnother thing to think about is the type of habitat where you see the bird. If you live in the northwest, southwest, northern plains, or Rocky Mountain states, you are almost certainly looking at a red-tailed hawk. The probability of the bird being a red-tailed hawk is higher since these are the most common species of hawk in North America. Where Red-Tailed Hawks and Red-Shouldered Hawks Are Found The anatomy of the bird you are looking at.The geographical location and habitat where you observe the bird.There are several ways to tell whether you are looking at a red-tailed hawk or a red-shouldered hawk, including: ![]() How Do You Tell the Difference Between the Red-Tailed Hawk and Red-Shouldered Hawk? Though this bird can be similar to the red-tailed hawk, especially from a distance, there are several ways to tell them apart and to determine which one you are looking at. As you can tell from this Latin name, this is another member of the same Buteo genus as the red-tailed hawk. The red-shouldered hawk has the Latin name Buteo lineatus. This genus is commonly referred to as hawks in North America, while they are known as buzzards elsewhere. This hawk is one of the most common members of the Buteo genus in North America and worldwide. It is also one of three species sometimes referred to as a chicken hawk. The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey with the Latin name Buteo jamaicensis. These may seem superficially similar from a distance, but looking (and listening) more closely should help you tell these two birds apart. You might be wondering whether, for example, you are looking at a red-tailed hawk or a red-shouldered hawk. One question frequently asked is how you can tell whether you are looking at a red-tailed hawk or another similar species. If you see birds of prey soaring over your property, you may find it challenging to determine which species you’ve spotted.
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