Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

This Red-tailed Hawk came to the RMRP in 2010 from Snyder on the eastern plains of Colorado. He was a young bird just learning to fly when he was injured.  He had a broken right humerus (upper wing bone) and broken left ulna (lower wing bone). Unfortunately, the bones did not heal in proper alignment, leaving him unable to fly.

The rufous (red) tail occurs only in sexually mature adults. Immature tail feathers are typically brown with many fine bands. The dark patagial mark across the top of the underwing is the most reliable diagnostic field mark when seen from below.  This patagial mark occurs in both the adults and immatures.

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