Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
45cm to 65cm
Wingspan
110cm to 141cm
Weight
690g to 1.46kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Red
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Grey
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red-tailed Hawks inhabit a wide range of open and semi-open habitats, including woodlands, prairies, deserts, and urban areas. They are found across North and Central America, from Alaska to Panama.
In the United States and Canada, they are year-round residents in many areas. Northern populations tend to migrate south for winter, while those in temperate regions often remain in their territories throughout the year.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-tailed Hawk. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red-tailed Hawk demonstrates remarkable agility in flight, performing impressive aerial displays during courtship and executing precise swooping manoeuvres when hunting. Their broad, rounded wings allow for excellent manoeuvrability in various habitats.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a robust raptor capable of taking down medium-sized prey like rabbits, the Red-tailed Hawk possesses considerable strength. Females, being 25% larger than males, are particularly powerful for their size category.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Red-tailed Hawks show exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from sea level to 3,200 metres elevation. Their ability to inhabit woodlands, prairies, deserts, and even urban areas demonstrates remarkable ecological flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overly aggressive towards humans, Red-tailed Hawks are formidable predators. They vigorously defend their territories and nests, and their hunting behaviour, including locking talons with potential mates mid-flight, indicates a notable level of aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Red-tailed Hawk's endurance is evident in its ability to soar for extended periods, its long-distance migratory patterns in northern populations, and its longevity (10-15 years in the wild). Their 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy also suggests patience and stamina.
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Chicken Hawk, Red-tail
Family:
AccipitridaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Max Lifespan
30.7 years [4]
Predators
Adult Red-tailed Hawks have few natural predators, but Great Horned Owls and Golden Eagles may occasionally prey on them. Eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to raccoons, crows, and other climbing predators.
Did You Know?
- Red-tailed Hawks can spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air.
- Their eyesight is about eight times sharper than that of humans.
- These hawks have been used in falconry for centuries.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Buteo jamaicensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22695933A93534834.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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