ML646790754

Observation details

Photos by Will Mertz. Largish hawk that was bigger than Snail Kite in direct comparison and obviously larger than Roadside hawks seen earlier. Chunky build with broad rounded wings and short tail. Adult plumage. Body was a rich ruddy-brown with a paler sandy head. Black half-collar separated the paler head from the ruddy-brown breast. Wing-coverts were the same ruddy-brown as the body but the flight feathers were black, although the secondaries had ruddy-brown bases. Eye and bill dark. Gave a rasping 'rarrrh' call several times, possibly in response to playback.