Red-tailed Hawk

Erika and I found this Red-tailed Hawk on 22 December 2020 at the Bill Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge. This species is really variable across its range. At least 16 subspecies are described. Differences in populations do not trend geographically, making identification difficult. Adding to this challenge is that some races are polymorphic, ranging from nearly white to almost black. Furthermore, adjacent subspecies often show intergradation of patterns. I think the Red-tailed Hawk we found was B. j. calurus, which breeds from eastern Alaska to Arizona and New Mexico. This race winters into Central America, but is resident in our part of its range. This race has dark, light, and rufous morphs—intermediates between all of the morphs can be found. This race is the only Red-tailed Hawk with a barred, not streaked, belly band and usually the only one with a dark brown throat.