Species Profile
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Chicken Hawk, Red-tail
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Markings
Dark patagial marks on the leading edge of the inner wing
Tail: Reddish-brown with a narrow black subterminal band
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United States
Nebraska
Georgia
Montana
Illinois
Idaho
Iowa
Indiana
Kansas
Nevada
Louisiana
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
Maine
New Jersey
New Mexico
Missouri
Minnesota
Mississippi
Arkansas
Arizona
Alabama
North Carolina
North Dakota
New Hampshire
California
District of Columbia
Connecticut
Colorado
Florida
Delaware
Ohio
New York
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Utah
Oregon
South Carolina
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Virginia
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Canada
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Population
Estimated: 3,100,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Increasing[2]
Population increasing due to adaptability to human-altered habitats
Elevation
Sea level to 3,200 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 6cm x 5cm
- 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.
- Alarm calls:
- A loud, harsh kree-eee-ar
- Breeding age:
- 2
- Maturity age:
- 2
- Feeding times:
- Mostly during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, collisions with vehicles
- Parental care:
- Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
- Primary calls:
- Raspy, screaming kee-eeeee-arr
- Social habits:
- Solitary, except during migration or at winter roosts
- Egg appearance:
- White, often blotched with brown
- Feeding habits:
- Hunts from a perch or in flight
- Breeding season:
- Spring
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies by region and season
- Fledging period:
- 42-46 days after hatching
- Average lifespan:
- 15
- Call description:
- Long, raspy scream that starts high and descends in pitch
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, mostly in the morning and late afternoon
- Nesting location:
- Tall trees, cliffs, cacti
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- 28-35 days
- Nest construction:
- Large structure of sticks, lined with bark, leaves and other vegetation
- Migration patterns:
- Northern populations migrate south for winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Some populations migrate, others are resident
- Age related changes:
- Juveniles acquire adult plumage in second year
- Prey capture method:
- Diving from the air
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many areas, with habitat conservation efforts ongoing
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends territory, especially during breeding season
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 1-5 eggs, usually two or three
- Interaction with other species:
- Generally tolerant of other birds, but will defend nest against all intruders
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
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.
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