Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis harlani), Buckeye, S. 307th ave, Maricopa County

This Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk was discovered on Troy Corman's Gila River CBC and has likely wintered there for at least 3 years.  It was photographed by Dominic Sherony on 26 February 2010.

Harlan's Hawk has been considered a full species at different times (1829-1895 and 1957-1973), but it is now treated as a subspecies of the widespread Red-tailed Hawk. It breeds in Alaska and northwest Canada and winters throughout the western half of the continent. Uncommon throughout its winter range, it is apparently rare in Arizona.  But, since it is now treated as a subspecies and because it can be difficult to identify, it is rarely reported and its status in the state is uncertain.

ID Points:  The wide, dark trailing edge to the wing and the dark eye make this an adult.  The whitish tail with a dark, indistinct terminal band in an adult is classic Harlan's.  Other supporting features for Harlan's include the overall blackish coloration with no brown tones and the white streaking on the upper chest. 

26 February 2010, photo by Dominic Sherony

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