What kind of Hawk is this?

[AtomicVette]

So we got home tonight and this guy was in our yard. He appears to have injured leg/legs? not sure. I'm dropping him off at a local wildlife rehab center tomorrow. But just wanted to see if any of you guys could shed some light on exactly what he is. He appears to have a wingspan of around 18" to 20" these photos are horrible, but hopefully they're good enough to get some info from. Taken with my Nikon D70.

[Loupey]

Hi, AtomicVette, and welcome to the forum!

A juvenile something-or-other. I'm not good with bird ID's.


Hope the outcome was positive. Please give up an update and thanks for sharing these images.

[Canon_Bob]

You got me on this one too. Hard to tell when they're that young. Paul may be able to ID it, though. Anyway, great job on the rescue, and hope it work out fo rthe little fella.

-CB

[Eric D]

Looks like a Red shouldered Hawk...but I am no expert!!!

[A.M.D.A.]

Hi,

I might be able to identify the bird, but I need to know more data.

~Where did you see it? (Which state or province, what area).

~What habitat was it in? (Forest, small town, open woodland).
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Hope the hawk is all right.

[AtomicVette]

So, dropped him off at a place here in Oklahoma called "Wildcare" which is a wildlife rehab center. They identified him as a Mississippi Kite. I had originally thought he may be a broad-winged hawk. They said he's about 1 year old. After a quick examination they think he may have broken his back but are not sure yet. He is able to move his feet slightly and does have sense of touch in his legs and feet, so the damage isn't so severe that it cut off his nervous system to his legs. They said they're going to force feed him and hope for progress. If he does show signs of progression they'll get him in for an x-ray to get more info..


Well on a side note, now that I've found this site I may be hanging around to get some photography tips. I've had my Niko D70 for about a year and a half now. I'm still learning all the things it can do, and also trying to learn the skills of being an amature photographer.

[Griggs]

I hope that guy ends up ok.

This is the place for you, you'll end up buying new stuff for your D70 in no time!

[paulnj]

That is indeed a mississippi kite, but they are wrong on the age. That's a young one born this spring.