2022 September Bird

The featured bird for September is the Red-Shouldered Hawk.

The Red-Shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized raptor most commonly seen around tall trees that are near water.

Family: Accipitridae
Species: Buteo lineatus
Length: 16.9-24.0 in (43-61 cm)
Weight: 17.1-27.3 oz (486-774 g)
Wingspan: 37.0-43.7 in (94-111 cm)

The Red-Shouldered Hawk has very distinct markings with its reddish-and-white-striped chest and reddish coloring on the shoulder. However, it can be a challenge to tell it apart from the Red-Tailed Hawk or the Broad-Winged Hawk, which have similar patterns.

The term raptor or bird of prey or predatory bird refers to hyper-carnivorous (diet is at least 70% meat) birds who actively hunt other animals. They are known for the good eyesight and strong curved claws with sharp talons, and powerful curved beaks.

This hawk seeks its prey (e.g., small rodents, snakes) while soaring overhead or perching on tall trees.

This is one of the few photos in the 2022 St. PetersBird calendar I didn’t take around Tampa Bay. This photo is from an excursion to Gainesville, Florida.