Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), southwest Phoenix, Maricopa County

This Red-shouldered Hawk was discovered and photographed by Bill Grossi on 03 November 2011 near the intersection of 99^th and Southern Avenues in southwest Phoenix. Also photographed by Jeff Ritz 05 November 2011.

Throughout much of Arizona, Red-shouldered Hawks are casual to rare visitors with most records in 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, rusty shoulder region, long legs and plain face with buffy supercilium are also typical of Red-shouldered Hawk. The breast pattern and reddish belly barring is also highly suggestive of the expected California race, B. l. elegans. 

03 November 2011, photos by Bill Grossi

05 November 2011, photo by Jeff Ritz

 

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