Hawk Identification Help

[Mackey]

I see this type of hawk everywhere, but typically up on the wires just before he/she swoops down on a field mouse or something (awesome).
I'm pretty sure it's not a redtail because they're around here too and pretty easy to pick out (note.. no red tail). I don't know if this is a immature redtail or something else.

They certainly do not like to be looked at - I was lucky to get this before it look and me and took off.

It's hard for me to ask for help as I consider myself somewhat of a "birder" but it's time to stop and ask for directions.

Any help?

 

[KJQ6945]

Red-tailed hawk.

 

[jballs]

Those darned brown ones are the hardest to identify. I can only tell a red-tail by their size and tail feathers.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Certainly seems to be a red-tailed hawk due to the stoutness of the legs, the little "poofy" feathers around the knee.

Could also be a Cooper's Hawk.

I know that I have a VERY hard time telling the two apart - without them being right next to one another. The Red Tailed Hawk is a much more robust bird than the Cooper's Hawk.

 

[KJQ6945]

The red-tailed hawks have a shorter broader tail than the Cooper's or sharp shinned hawk. The red-tailed hawk is in a different genus than the other two and is quite a bit larger. The tails are the easiest way to distinguish between them.

 

[shooter521]

It's a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk. They don't get their characteristic red tail until after the first year.

 

[boogieman]

If you look at the yellow on the beak and the white under the chin it looks much more like a peregrin falcon. There are quite a few around indiana. Their bodies look alot like the redtails.

The redtails generally have a solid brown chin and darker beak

 

[shooter521]

looks much more like a peregrin falcon. . Their bodies look alot like the redtails.

 

[boogieman]

I'm confused are you agreeing or disageing with me

 

[Caleb]

I saw one of these in Columbus eating another bird...

 

[paddling_man]

Boy, I say, Boy! That there's a chickenhawk!

Yes... red-tailed hawk.

 

[johntheplinker]

It's a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk. They don't get their characteristic red tail until after the first year.

Yep, young Redtail. Not a peregrine, the hawk in question has light colored eye, peregrine has dark eyes. Not a Cooper's either, banding on the tail is wrong and a Cooper's doesn't have the leg tufts.
http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/images/Red-tailed_hawk_juv_back_large.jpg