Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus, also known as the red-bellied hawk, winter hawk, or the red-shouldered buzzard, photographed at Brazos Bend State Park, southwest of Houston, Texas, USA.
Image: Joseph Kennedy, 28 January 2011 [velociraptorize].
Nikon D200, Kowa 883 telescope with TSN-PZ camera eyepiece 1/250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso400
Question: This diurnal bird has a nocturnal counterpart that basically fills the same ecological niche. Can you name this species as well as its counterpart?
Response: This is an adult red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus. This bird is found throughout woodlands near waterways in the eastern United States. It preys on small mammals, birds, crustaceans and insects.
The barred owl, Strix varia, is the nocturnal counterpart to the red-shouldered hawk. Both birds occupy the same range in the eastern United States, prefer the same moist woodland habitats, and eat similar animals. The hawk is active during the day, whilst the owl is active at night.
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