Large dark birds (slow wing flapping) |
Turkey Vulture
Wings two-toned and held upward in V; small head |
Golden Eagle
Wings rectangular-shaped and held flat; large head |
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Mid-size soaring birds (more rapid wing flapping) |
Red-tailed Hawk
Wing shape is chunky with dark patagial mark |
Red-shouldered Hawk
Wings and breast reddish; bold tail bars |
Swainsons Hawk
Wings two-toned w/white lining and held upward |
Ferruginous Hawk
Nearly all white below; wings held upward and pointed |
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Mid-sized birds usually flying quite low (seldom hovering) |
Osprey
Wings quite long & w/crook and dark wrists |
Northern Harrier
Wings held upward; white rump patch |
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Smaller birds with pointed wings (rapid wing flapping) |
Peregrine Falcon
Dark appearance and deep wing strokes |
Prairie Falcon
Dark wing marks near body |
American Kestrel
Quite small and hovering flight |
Merlin
Dark, like a small Peregrine but only faint mustache |
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Smaller birds with rounded wings (three flaps and a sail) |
Coopers Hawk
Long barred tail with curved white tip |
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Long barred tail with square tip |
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