Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis; BEW-tee-oh jah-may-ih-SEN-sis) is a bird of prey and a member of the Accipitridae family. Its range is found throughout the North American continent, from Canada to Panama. It is the most common Buteo in the US and Canada.

It has two well-known subspecies, called Harlan's Hawk and Krider's Hawk.

Desciption
The Red-tailed Hawk is usually found to be of the size range of 46-58 cm (for males) and 51-64 cm (for females).

Harlan's Hawk
The Harlan's subspecies is a variable blackish subspecies. It is considered a separate species by some.

It breeds in eastern Alaska and northwest Canada. Winters in southeast-ward to Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley.

Krider's Hawk
The Krider's subspecies is a pale prairie subspecies or form, with a white tail that might be tipped pale rufous.

It is found in the prairie provinces of Canada and northern prairie states. In the winter, south through the southern plains to Texas and Louisiana.

Similar species
Rough-legged Hawk has a slenderer bill and feet with feathered legs, white rump, and white tail with many dark bands. Light morph has a black belly.

Swainson's Hawk has multiple tail bands, darker flight feathers, paler wing linings. Light morph has a browner chest.