Comparing Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks

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