Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Havasu NWR, Topock Marsh, Pintail Slough, Mohave County

This Red-shouldered Hawk was discovered and photographed by John West on 25 December 2010.

Rare, but apparently increasing visitor, particularly in the fall and winter. Most individuals arriving in Arizona are likely from expanding populations in California.

This adult Red-shouldered Hawk is easily identified by the extensively rufous underparts, black and white checkered wings and narrow white bands on the tail.  The extensive, solid rufous color identifies this as the expected California race, B. l. elegans. 

25 December 2010, photo by John West