What is this magnificent Raptor ? (1 Viewer)

[Erik P]

Hi everyone, my name is Erik and I live in the north east corner of the state of Illinois just below the Wisconsin state line. The other day my wife pulled out her camera to get a two second recording of this incredible bird swooping in to grab an adult dead rabbit. The video is absolutely incredible, but I didn’t know if it would be able to be seen by everyone, so I just took a screenshot. I’m familiar with red tailed hawks in this area but this appears to be significantly larger with different markings. Can someone please tell me what we are looking at?

 

[KC Foggin]

I was thinking Red-shouldered Hawk.

 

[Erik P]

I was thinking Red-shouldered Hawk.

Excellent thanks for your reply

 

[delia todd]

Hi Erik and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. I can't be of any assistance with the species, but I'm sure KC will be right.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Sangahyando]

I'd say immature Red-tailed Hawk. Red-shouldered should be more rufous overall, show stronger barring on the tail, and would be less likely to go after adult rabbits owing to its smaller size. Red-tailed Hawks are quite large and seeing them up close - especially a relatively pale individual like this one - can make them appear even larger.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, Erik. Welcome to the forum, I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group.

 

[Erik P]

Hi Erik and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. I can't be of any assistance with the species, but I'm sure KC will be right.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

Thank you Delia !

 

[Erik P]

I'd say immature Red-tailed Hawk. Red-shouldered should be more rufous overall, show stronger barring on the tail, and would be less likely to go after adult rabbits owing to its smaller size. Red-tailed Hawks are quite large and seeing them up close - especially a relatively pale individual like this one - can make them appear even larger.

Hmmm, interesting ! That makes sense. In the video it does appear to be absolutely huge. Over the years, I’ve taken many still photographs of red tailed hawks sitting in trees, usually at a distance of no less than 30 feet. You’re probably right. The video was taken at very close range because my wife was sitting in her car. The video was absolutely stunning. Thanks for your take on this Sangahyando. Logical reasoning based on visual evidence. Very cool !

 

[Erik P]

Hi, Erik. Welcome to the forum, I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group.

Thanks Lisa. I love my birds, but I’ve never really had anyone to discuss them with. I hope I can provide some more interesting things in the future.

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello Erik and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.