Red-tailed Hawk Identifying Features

Adult

Photo by Jean Chamberlain
belly band – dark markings across belly (missing on some races)


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
dark patagial marks


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
rufous tail


Fledgling/Juvenile

Photo by Jean Chamberlain
belly band with cinnamon on chest (missing on some races)


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
pale greenish or bluish-green cere (turning yellow later in year)


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
numerous dark narrow bands that are all same width and narrower than lighter bands


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
dark patagial marks


Nestling

Photo by Laura Murphy
grayish or tan eyes
greenish or bluish-green cere


Photo by Linda Hufford
large feet, thick toes


Photo by Linda Hufford
some have white patch on back of head


Note: the adult and juvenile photos shown on this page are of eastern Red-tailed hawks

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