Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Tres Rios Hayfield Stie, Maricopa County

This Red-shouldered Hawk was discovered and photographed by Jeff Ritz on 22 October 2009.

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

The combination of barred secondaries, upper breast streaking and lower breast barring identify this immature.  The dark throat, long legs and plain face with buffy supercilium are also typical of Red-shouldered Hawk.  The breast pattern is also highly suggestive of the expected California race, B. l. elegans. 

22 October 2009, photo by Jeff Ritz

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