A medium-sized raptor glides overhead with a strongly banded tail and translucent areas near the wing tips. Which hawk is it most likely?

The red-shouldered hawk is indeed the most likely identification in this scenario, primarily due to its distinctive physical characteristics. This species often displays a strongly banded tail, which is one of the key features that distinguish it from other hawks. Additionally, red-shouldered hawks have pronounced translucent areas at the tips of their wings, enhancing their visual identification during flight.

Color patterns also play a significant role; the red-shouldered hawk typically exhibits a rich reddish-brown coloration on its breast and a contrasting darker upper body. These visual cues are critical for distinguishing it from other raptor species.

When considering the other hawks mentioned, it's important to note that while they may share certain traits with the red-shouldered hawk, such as being medium-sized, they lack the specific combination of a strongly banded tail and wing tip translucence that are distinctive to the red-shouldered hawk. This allows birdwatchers and falconers alike to confidently identify the red-shouldered hawk in the field.