Which hawk is referred to as a blue hawk?

The term "blue hawk" is commonly associated with the Peregrine falcon, particularly when discussing the hawk’s adult plumage. In its adult stage, the Peregrine exhibits a distinctive bluish slate color on its wings and back, along with a contrasting light breast. This coloration, along with its impressive hunting abilities and widespread distribution, often leads to its recognition as the "blue hawk."

The other species listed do not carry the same association or common nickname. The Red-shouldered hawk is characterized more by its distinctive reddish shoulders and barbed tails. The Sharp-shinned hawk, while it has some blue-gray in its plumage, doesn't fit the description of a "blue hawk" in the same way the Peregrine does. Lastly, the Bald eagle is known for its iconic white head and tail against a dark brown body, making it visually very different from the slate-colored Peregrine in its adult plumage.