Phase variation in red tailed hawks

Red tailed hawk, Kelowna

At first, I thought it might be a Cooper's hawk.  The reddish-brown chest and light ventral tail feathers were misleading at distance without magnification, but when I brought my camera to bear, the identification became clear.  What impressed me, once again, was the variation in feathering of these magnificent birds.

Below is a comparison of different red tailed hawks I have photographed; three photos from the past compared to the one I photographed yesterday.  Of the three, the above photo most closely corresponds to the medium phase, although I think its head is more like the dark variation.

Three different phase variations of red tailed hawks that I have photographed.

The one on the left is often called Krider's red tailed hawk, it is more common on the plains, although I photographed this one in Kelowna a few years ago.  Notice that all the hawks have one feature in common - the belly band - which is a distinguishing attribute for the species.  They are also a relatively large bird.  They also have a red tail (hence the name), although Krider's may be quite pale.  

I have never seen nor photographed Harlan's red tailed hawk.  You can look at one here.  They are quite different looking, almost opposite to Krider's.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com