This is an adult Red-tailed Hawk that is in mid-molt. It is replacing some of its primary, secondary and tail feathers. Note the smaller length feathers in the wings and tail that are growing to fill in the gaps in these areas. Adults have red-tails while immature birds have narrowly banded brown-and-white tails. Red-tailed Hawks can be seen throughout the fall migration season, but occur in higher numbers between mid-October and mid-November.

An immature Red-tailed Hawk seen kiting over the watch on 17 September 2003. Immature Red-tailed Hawks have narrowly banded tails instead of the bright red tail of adult birds.

This is the same immature Red-tailed Hawk as in the preceding picture. It is going into a dive after some prey.

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