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| BUTEOS |
| Red-tailed Hawk - Common, roadsides & woodland edges - Red tail visible in flight and while perched (in adult) - White breast, broad streaked band across belly (diagnostic), brown above - Long, broad and round-tipped wings - Bold "commas" located on wing wrist (carpal area. - Bold dark line running along leading edge of arm - Wing beat slow, heavy & powerful - Are capable of hovering in place |
| Red-shouldered Hawk - Narrow, boldly banded tail, "white line resembles white chalk line on blackboard" - Body slim & tube-shaped - Body & underwings chestnut - Underwing coverts (shoulders) rusty (that's where name comes from) - Wings long, narrow & clean-edged; leading edge straight - Diagnostic field mark is crescent-shaped "stained glass window" effect at tip of each wing. Lack of pigmentation creates this window effect. |
| Rough-legged Hawk - Large, lanky, angular hawk - Boldly patterned, dark (blotched) belly - Black patch on wrist of underwing, silvery flight feathers - Tail white with broad, black band at tip. Tail long & broad - Head large & round - Wing beats are unhurried, methodical & deeply arched - Often "hovers" on beating wings |
| Broad-winged Hawk - Small, chunky hawk, size of crow - Broad, black & white bands on tail - Wings short & broad - Wing linings are whitish, with edges trimmed with black - During a soar, tail opens wide so that both tail & wings appear shorter. When tail closed, long & narrow. - In between thermals, will pump & glide. Wing beat stiff, quick. |
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| Red-shouldered Hawk copyright Brian E. Small |
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| Broad-winged Hawk copyright Ron Austing |
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| Red-tailed Hawk Photo by Lou Buonomo |
| Buteos: Basic Characteristics - Typically medium-to-large raptor - Heavy body and broadly proportioned wings - Short, wide, rounded tails - Underparts usually light, with varying degrees of streaking, barring or patches - Soar frequently & use thermals - Wing beats usually slow, heavy & methodical; often in series of 3-5, followed by glide |
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| For more information on Buteos, go to ENature.com |