Red-shouldered Hawk look-alikes
Buteo lineatus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Red-shouldered Hawk. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Key differences
Broad-winged Hawks are smaller and stockier, with a single broad white band on a dark tail (adults). Juveniles have streaked underparts but lack the rufous shoulders and translucent wing crescents of Red-shouldered Hawks. Their call is a high-pitched, whistled 'pee-teee'.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Key differences
Red-tailed Hawks are larger and bulkier, with a diagnostic rufous tail (adults). They lack the reddish barring on the underparts and the translucent wing crescents. Their call is a harsh, descending 'kree-eee-ar'.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Key differences
Cooper's Hawks are accipiters, with shorter, rounded wings and a longer tail. They have a different flight style (flap-flap-glide) and lack the broad wings and soaring behavior of Buteos. Adults have blue-gray upperparts and reddish barring on the underparts, but lack the rufous shoulders and distinct tail banding of Red-shouldered Hawks. Their head projects further forward in flight.
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