Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Its upperparts are dark brown, while the underparts are pale with a streaked belly band. The namesake red tail is visible in adults, appearing brick-red above.

Females are typically 25% larger than males but share similar plumage. Juveniles lack the red tail, instead showing a brown tail with narrow dark bands. Regional color variations exist, ranging from light to dark morphs.

The Red-tailed Hawk's call is a distinctive, hoarse scream described as 'kee-eeeee-arr,' often lasting 2-3 seconds. This vocalization is so iconic that it's frequently used in movies to represent eagles or other raptors.

During courtship, pairs may call together with a series of raspy cries.

• Look for Red-tailed Hawks perched on poles, trees, or soaring over open areas
• Observe the distinctive red tail of adults when they're in flight
• Listen for their raspy, screaming 'kee-eeeee-arr' call
• In North America, scan roadsides in rural areas for perched individuals

Red-tailed Hawks are versatile predators, primarily feeding on small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and rodents. They also consume birds, reptiles, and occasionally insects.

These hawks employ a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, swooping down on prey from elevated perches.

Red-tailed Hawks typically form monogamous pairs that may mate for life. Breeding season varies by region but generally occurs from March to May in North America.

Nests are large structures of sticks lined with bark strips, fresh foliage, and dry vegetation. They are usually placed high in a tree or on a cliff ledge. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are white or pale blue with brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 28-35 days, primarily done by the female. Nestlings fledge after 42-46 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Red-tailed Hawks are often seen perched on tall structures or soaring in wide circles high above open fields. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey from these vantage points.

During courtship, pairs perform impressive aerial displays, sometimes locking talons mid-flight and spiraling towards the ground.

Red-tailed Hawks are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and stable population. However, they face threats from habitat loss, collisions with vehicles and structures, and secondary poisoning from rodenticides.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and reducing the use of harmful pesticides.