raptor id help needed (1 Viewer)

[pattianne]

Located a pair of these today overlooking field/wooded area; at first, I thought maybe immature mississippi kites; Now, I think maybe red shouldered hawk. They just seemed smaller than others I have seen. Anyway, what do you think??

 

[Strix]

looks like a red-shouldered to me, although I don't have a whole lot of experience with the species.

 

[Charles Harper]

Red-shoulder. Mississippi Kite has a basically dark, unbanded underwing, Patti. Wings are longer and more attenuated, with the very short first primary the books mention. Red-shoulders always looked quite small to me, too-- smaller than their measurements suggest: I wonder why?...

 

[pattianne]

thank you both for the quick reply. Think I'll post this one in my gallery. Glad you helped me with the id.