chicken hawk

Bird Name
The Chicken Hawk is a colloquial term, often referring to three primary birds of prey – the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), and the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). In this profile, we will focus on the Red-tailed Hawk, as it exemplifies the characteristics this popular term suggests.

Appearance
The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust, impressive bird with broad wings and a short, wide tail that is typically a rust-red color—a key identifying feature. Its body is chiefly brown, the underparts lighter and streaked while upper parts are darker. Young ones lack the distinctive red tail. Its beak is short but sharp, and its keen eyes are dark brown. Both males and females have similar appearances; however, females are slightly larger.

Size
The average length of a Red-tailed Hawk is between 45 to 65 cm (18 to 26 inches), and their wingspan can stretch from 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 inches). On average, they weigh around 690 to 1460 g (1.5 to 3.2 pounds).

Habitat & Distribution
This adaptable bird of prey is found throughout North America, from Alaska and Northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. It thrives in various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, and even in urban areas.

Interesting Facts
1. The Red-tailed Hawk is known for its soaring flights, riding thermals in circles, gaining height in the skies.
2. It plays a crucial role in many Native American tribes’ legends and rituals. It is often seen as a sign of courage, strength, and vision.
3. This species doesn’t vocalize often, but when it does, the sound is unmistakable. It’s used widely in movies and TV shows to represent a raptor’s call.

Diet
Red-tailed Hawks are carnivores. They are incredibly opportunistic eaters feeding mostly on small mammals like mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They also eat birds and reptiles and can exploit large insects and roadkill when available.

Behavior & Sounds
These hawks are mostly solitary. They’re monogamous and may mate with the same partner for several years. The call of the Red-tailed Hawk is a raspy, scraping, screamed “kree-eee-ar,” lasting two to three seconds and usually given while soaring.

Conservation Status
The Red-tailed Hawk is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, given its extensive range and stable population.

Lifespan
In the wild, Red-tailed Hawks typically live up to 20 years, while in captivity, with proper care, their lifespan may extend up to 30 years.

Additional Notes
In Mexico, the Red-tailed Hawk is locally known as “Aguililla Cola Roja,” reflecting its distinctive tail color. Outstanding predators, they are often misunderstood and mislabeled as chicken thieves. Their predation can help control pest populations, thus playing a crucial role in ecosystems. The presence of Red-tailed Hawks can often indicate a healthy environment since they are top predators. They interact with humans in various ways: sometimes seen as a threat by poultry farmers, while in other cases, they are admired by bird-watchers and falconers.