Study in Molt Patterns

By neighdoctor July 22, 2021 Study in Molt Patterns

Jordan Lake. A study this morning in the process of molting in birds. To molt means the bird is changing out damaged and old feathers for a brand new set. All birds do this – in several different patterns. It just so happens that both the bald eagle (1st photo) and the Broad-winged hawk (2nd photo) do what is known as a sequential molt. They molt out the same section of flight feathers on each wing at the same time. Note that on both birds on each wing there are sets of feathers that are sticking out on the trailing edge with a matching set on the other wing. Not all birds do a sequential molt, it really depends upon the species. In this case it also helps me to know that the bald eagle is two-years-old. The Broad-winged hawk is an adult. The molt patterns do make them both look rather raggedy, doesn’t it! Oh and did you see the fish the eagle is carrying?

Jordan Lake Dam Hawks Today, 3 photos 05-25-2019

By neighdoctor May 25, 2019 Jordan Lake Dam Hawks Today, 3 photos 05-25-2019

Hawks at Jordan Dam Today; Whew, 3 species!!!!!

I had spent all winter trying to get a photo of the first hawk in this group of Buteo hawks.

Buteo hawks are all called broad-winged hawks which is confusing because in the group there is a Broad-Winged Hawk!

This morning a medium-sized hawk appeared from the hill above the dam: it was my elusive Broad-winged hawk.

Broad-winged Hawk

Often confused with the red-shouldered hawk and even though it is fairly common,

is dismissed as a red-shouldered hawk and we don’t look twice.

Note the broad white tail stripe and the distinct black band that edges the trailing edge of the wing from wing-tips to body.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Looks very similar doesn’t it! But this hawk doesn’t have the broad black band lining the trailing edge of the wing.

BTW this is a juvenile; the other 2 hawks in this group are adults and that can add to the identification problems.

Red-tailed Hawk

All 3 birds are similar, in part because of the body shape and broad-wings.

Look back at the wings of all three hawks.

Note just how much distance there is from leading edge to trailing edge of the wing: BROAD WINGS indeed!

broad-winged hawk

By neighdoctor June 14, 2016 broad-winged hawk

I added a new bird to my life list today.
I was near a small pond when a hawk dashed out of the trees.
I thought first that it was an Accipiter – maybe a Cooper’s hawk.
It wasn’t. It was a small Buteo.
The dark line along the trailing edges of the wings and the bold central white tail strip were diagnostic.
I had just seen a broad-winged hawk. 2 photos