Confusing raptor...

Photos by BarrytheBirder

Q.  When is a red-tailed Hawk not a Red-tailed Hawk?

A.  When it is a Swainson's Hawk.

Pictured above are  Swainson's Hawks, which I have photographed in Aurora, Ontario, over the last couple of years.   At first, I thought they were Red-tailed Hawks, but then realized they were somewhat different: red-tails, but white breasts.    I have seen many since and they have mated and raised a few broods of youngsters.

Swainson's Hawks occur all over North and South America, but are most notable for their persistent habitation in the the mid-west U.S.A., notably Kansas.   They have an incredible migration pattern that can stretch from Alaska to Argentina that can total 19,000 kms.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder