Buteo jamaicensis
Least Concern
Known for their distinctive reddish-brown tail and piercing screech, the Red-tailed Hawk is a commanding presence in the skies of North America. As one of the most widespread hawks in the continent, this majestic bird soars above open country, woodlands, and prairies, their robust figure and sharp hunting skills making it a notable character within the diverse North American bird population.
Males and females have similar plumage
Brown
Brown
White, Black
White, Black
Brown
Brown
Short and Hooked
Black
Black
Yellow
Yellow
Dark patagial marks on the leading edge of the inner wing
Broad, dark brown streaks
Reddish-brown with a narrow black subterminal band
Brown with narrow dark bands
45cm to 65cm
Length
110cm to 145cm
Wingspan
690g to 1.3kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk landing in natural habitat
Red-tailed Hawk in-flight
Red-tailed Hawk at nest with its young
Red-tailed Hawk in-flight looking for prey
Red-tailed Hawk perched on a wooden post
Portrait of a Red-tailed Hawk
Raspy, screaming kee-eeeee-arr
Long, raspy scream that starts high and descends in pitch
A loud, harsh kree-eee-ar
Active during the day, mostly in the morning and late afternoon
Solitary, except during migration or at winter roosts
Defends territory, especially during breeding season
Northern populations migrate south for winter
Generally tolerant of other birds, but will defend nest against all intruders
Mammals, Birds, Reptiles
Hunts from a perch or in flight
Mostly during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon
Diving from the air
Diet varies by region and season
None known
Tall trees, cliffs, cacti
Large structure of sticks, lined with bark, leaves and other vegetation
Spring
One
White, often blotched with brown
Approximately 6cm x 5cm
1-5 eggs, usually two or three
28-35 days
42-46 days after hatching
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
North America, Central America, West Indies
Open country, woodlands, prairie groves, mountains, plains
Sea level to 3000m
Northern populations migrate south for winter
Forest, Grassland
Temperate, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Rare sightings recorded in both Colombia and Venezuela.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
10
20
15 year(s)
2 year(s)
2 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year
Juveniles acquire adult plumage in second year
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, collisions with vehicles
Protected in many areas, with habitat conservation efforts ongoing
Population increasing due to adaptability to human-altered habitats
Other names:
Chicken Hawk, Red Hawk
Family:
AccipitridaePopulation size:
2,000,000
Population trend:
Increasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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