3 replies to this topic

[GLWC1964]

These pictures were taken near Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles, June 28 & 29. time of day is 8-9am.

The cries sounded just like the Red-shouldered hawk samples I found at All About Birds, but they are certainly different looking birds!

Because of the belly-band, I wondered if one might be an immature Red-tail, but the tail seems not quite right. We have a lot of both types in the area.



UnkHawk2

Album: Wilson Backyard Birds
Uploaded Today, 09:14 PM



UnkHawk1

Album: Wilson Backyard Birds
Uploaded Today, 09:14 PM

Thanks for any help!

[psweet]

They're both Red-tails. The extent of the belly band is highly variable even in the eastern subspecies -- and the overall variation increases dramatically out west. The one with the heavy markings underneath is a young bird, possibly second year, based on the color of the eye.

[creeker]

I agree with Red-tailed Hawk. Young Red-taileds do make a repetitive cry not too much unlike that of the Red-shouldered. Thankfully, Red-taileds seem to grow out of it.

[GLWC1964]

Thanks a lot. The adult Red-tails I see soaring look a lot like #2, very light from below with even the tail more pale than the winter.