Age differences in wing loading and other aerodynamic characteristics of Red-tailed Hawks.(Short Communications): An article from: Wilson Bulletin

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From the author: We examined age differences in wing loading, aspect ratio, wing span, and tail area in a sample of 117 Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) captured at the Cedar Grove Ornithological Station, Wisconsin, during 1979-1987. Adults had significantly wider wings, lower aspect ratios, shorter tails, and smaller tail surface areas than juveniles. Red-tailed Hawks showed fewer age differences in aerodynamic characteristics than Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus), probably because of differences between the two species in the pursuit and capture of prey. Sharpshinned Hawks take birds from above ground or after a brief chase, often in dense vegetation. Sharp-shinned Hawks require more aerial agility (ability to make rapid twists and turns) than is necessary for Red-tailed Hawks, which capture prey on the ground, usually after a glide or flight from an elevated perch. Received 7 July 2003, accepted 6 August 2004.

Citation Details
Title: Age differences in wing loading and other aerodynamic characteristics of Red-tailed Hawks.(Short Communications)
Author: Helmut C. Mueller
Publication:Wilson Bulletin (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2004
Publisher: Wilson Ornithological Society
Volume: 116 Issue: 3 Page: 272(3)

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