Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), Flattop Reservoir south of Colorado City, Mohave County

This Rough-legged Hawk was photographed by David Vander Pluym on 20 November 2011

This location is about 12 miles south of Colorado City.

Rare but regular along the northern edge of the state

A highly variable buteo with light and dark morphs. Light morphs have white tail with dark subterminal band, pale head, dark squarish carpal patch, and dark belly. They also have very small bills and fully feathered legs (not visible in this photo)

 

20 November 2011, photo by David Vander Pluym

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