Birds of Foothill College

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)is a large (19-25 inches) hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk is most easily identified by its dark brown back, pale underparts, and rusty-red tail. Male and female Red-tailed Hawks are similarly plumaged in all seasons; however, like most species of raptors, females are larger than males.

Red-tailed hawks have the most recognizable call because Hollywood uses their call to represent any raptor in the world. You can hear an example here: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-tailed_hawk/sounds less ↑

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is relatively large (17-24 inches) hawk with a brown back, barred white-and-black wings, broad black tail banded and large rust-colored shoulder patches visible from above or while perching. The chest is also rust colored. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males.

They have a distinctive call that you can listen to here: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/sounds

Similar species

Cooper's Hawk (and Sharp-shinned Hawk) - the Red-shouldered Hawk is larger, chunkier, has a much shorter, fan shaped tail. Cooper's hawks are accipiters and have lankier bodies and shorter wings, with long tails.

Red-tailed Hawks are larger than Red-shouldered Hawks, with broader wings, and slower wingbeats. Adult Red-tails usually show a reddish top of the tail, a dark-streaked “belly band,” and pale wings with a dark bar at the leading edge. (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/id). less ↑