Red-tailed Hawk?

[Joe Austin]

Taken third week of Feb. in Morro Bay CA. Thinking its a red-tailed, but maybe red shouldered?

[David Smith]

Looks like a Red-tailed Hawk to me.. Definitely not a Red Shouldered..

Dave

[Joe Austin]

Thanks, David. What clues did you use to confirm it is not a red-shouldered?

[David Smith]

Thanks, David. What clues did you use to confirm it is not a red-shouldered?

The eye, the lack of barring on the breast, the overall color...

[Sandy Witvoet]

Belly-band, shorter tail than RSH.... also RSH has a bit "blockier" head (often looks like a bad hair day)...