Comparing Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks

Swainson’s HawkRed-tailed Hawk
Adult
wings nearly reach
tip of tail
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
wings shorter than
tip of tail
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
darker bib
(intermediate morph)
Photo courtesy Cascades
Raptor Center
belly band
(missing in some races)
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
lacks patagial markings
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
patagial mark on underside of wings
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
3 outer primaries
emarginated (notched)
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
4 outer primaries
emarginated (notched)
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
Juvenile
wings almost reach
tip of tail
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
wings shorter than
tip of tail
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
brown spots on chest
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
belly band
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
lacks patagial mark
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
patagial mark
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
Photo by Sallie Reynolds
Go to swainson’s hawk
Go to red-tailed hawk