Raptor ID New Hanover County, North Carolina (2 Viewers)

[thhande]

Hello. I'm new here so I hope I'm doing this right. These photos were taken yesterday, 1 August 2021, in my back yard. This bird was about 18-ish inches tall, and as you can see, a beautiful animal. I spent some time with Sibley but didn't find a convincing match. Please see attached files. Any/all assistance appreciated. Thanks in advance.

thhande

 

[Butty]

Red-shouldered hawk, immature. Wide tail-bars + barred secondaries.

 

[thhande]

Thank you. I was hung up on the boldly striped head - didn't see anything like that. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Butty]

The head pattern isn't a useful feature for this species. The thing it's closest to is an immature accipiter.

 

[Microtus]

Welcome, thhande! That's a nice Red-shouldered Hawk you photographed.

 

[KC Foggin]

Immature Red-shouldered for me.

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