Raptor ID Help - New Mexico, USA (1 Viewer)

[SusieRuss]

These three hawks were seen at Bosque del Apache in NM. I'm not used to all the variations of Red-Tails and would love confirmation or alternate ID help. The first I'm sure is a Red-tail. Would this be a Kriders subspecies? The second didn't seem to have the typical coloration/pattern for a Red-tail (as far as i could see - I never saw the back. The front showed a faint rusty bib. I know the photo is bad - it was a long way off) so I'd love some kind of confirmation of that bird. The third was VERY dark. Would this be a Harlan's sub-species? Thanks in advance - I'm trying to learn...

 

[Butty]

Pic 1 looks like a red-tailed hawk. I pass on the others.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

#2 is also a red-tail. I'll pass on #3.

And I have no input on sub-species.

 

[nartreb]

#1 is easy. #2 is a buteo, looks good for red-tail despite the weak belly band. I'll plump for #3 as well, classic "backstrap" pattern of pale marks.

 

[birdmeister]

Any chance of Ferruginous on #2? That pale face doesn't look good for Redtail to me, though they can be so variable. I seem to see the yellow gape line and perhaps rufous "leggings" as well, but I'd love more opinions.

 

[njlarsen]

Any chance of Ferruginous on #2? That pale face doesn't look good for Redtail to me, though the can be so variable. I seem to see the yellow gape line and perhaps rufous "leggings" as well, but I'd love more opinions.

Does not fit my inner image of a FeHa
Niels

 

[SusieRuss]

Thanks everybody - I appreciate your responses!

 

[Microtus]

#1 is easy. #2 is a buteo, looks good for red-tail despite the weak belly band. I'll plump for #3 as well, classic "backstrap" pattern of pale marks.

I agree with nartreb.

 

[KC Foggin]

Not sure on #3 but 1 and 2 lead me to Red-tailed Hawks.

 

[AveryBartels]

Another one for Ferruginous Hawk for #2 as per birdmeister's reasons. 1 and 3 are Red-tails, #3 could well be Harlan's due to the overall black plumage (without any apparent brownish/chestnut tones) with whitish speckling on the belly, but I am not experienced enough in picking them out to be confident on this.

 

[lmans66]

Number 3= Fuertes's sub-species of Red-Tailed Hawk.

 

[birdmeister]

Number 3= Fuertes's sub-species of Red-Tailed Hawk.

Might you be confusing "Fuertes's" with another Redtail subspecies? I believe fuertesi is generally in dry southwestern areas and is extremely pale below (i.e. lacking belly band).