That doesn't look like a Red-tailed to me. Not even Juvies have the black and white banded tail. I'm a raptor specialist, and I think that's a Red-shouldered Hawk.
-the Red- shouldered are buteos who act like an acipiter; they have red shoulders, are less muscular and have a black tail with narrow white bands.
-the red tail is usually conspicuous on a Red- tailed hawk; while soaring, the Red- tail works with the wind, with a minimum of wing corrections.
-appears to be a Red- shouldered to me.
I was sure for the most part that that was a Red-shouldered, but I knew my suspicions would be confirmed by one of your comments, Jim. Red-tails have VERY noticeable red tails, but the Juvies have light brown or cream colored tails.
Odd when i looked up the Red Shouldered Hawk it says it's uncommon in this area. When i tried to post another pic under Red Shouldered Hawk it would not let me said rethink or submit.. when i submitted it did not show up any ideas?
Juvie Red-tailed Hawks get their red tail at about one year of age. Their tails until then are a light brown, or cream colored. I've worked with countless Red-tails, and Red-shouldered, and that's definitely a Red-Shouldered :-). When you see that banded tail with a body like that, automatically assume Red-shouldered.
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