Posted by Lindy Martin on December 28, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Is this a dark morph rough legged? I can't find anything that says there should be any white on the chest. Thanks for the help - disregard the techniques..............
Posted by Nick Saunders on December 29, 2009 at 2:14 AM
Hi Lindy,
Cindy is correct, this looks like a Dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk. The white on the breast should eventually lead down to a slight 'belly band' , although , this is not evident on this bird , it could be molting or a juvenile.
Patterns can also be different in individuals, as Red-tails can come in many colour variations .
Rough-legged Hawks would have feathers running almost down to their ankles, which is a good diagnostic to look out for, as well as a white-head in the lighter morph.
PS. I have removed your original post from the gallery as you requested.
Discussion
1 repliesCindy is correct, this looks like a Dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk. The white on the breast should eventually lead down to a slight 'belly band' , although , this is not evident on this bird , it could be molting or a juvenile.
Patterns can also be different in individuals, as Red-tails can come in many colour variations .
Rough-legged Hawks would have feathers running almost down to their ankles, which is a good diagnostic to look out for, as well as a white-head in the lighter morph.
PS. I have removed your original post from the gallery as you requested.