The Story
I photographed this Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) at the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, Florida, United States, in October 2020, with its orange barring and patterned wings. It breeds across eastern North America, along the California coast and in northeastern Mexico, and most birds stay put all year. Its wingspan ranges from 90 to 127 centimeters. Young birds are easily confused with young Broad-winged Hawks. Deforestation is the main conservation threat to this widespread species. IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
I made this frame with a Pentax K-1 and the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6, at 1/320 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400. The center was founded by Carol, a certified veterinary technician who got her first rehabilitation permit in 1986, and Scott, a master falconer who now leads its flight demonstrations.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
The bird
The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) belongs to the family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) in the eBird/Clements taxonomy.
Source: eBird.org (opens in a new tab)
Conservation
Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessment published 2025), with the population trend listed as increasing. Source: IUCN Red List