buteo jamaicensis

1. Nombre del ave
The bird being profiled is most commonly known as the Red-Tailed Hawk. The scientific name for this species is Buteo jamaicensis.

2. Aspecto
The majestic Red-Tailed Hawk is renowned for its striking reddish-brown tail that differentiates it from other raptors. Their bodies are primarily covered in rich, dark brown feathers splotched with a darker hue on the upper side. Their chest and belly have lighter feathers overlaying broad, brown streaks. These birds possess robust bodies with broad wings and a noticeable hooked beak for tearing flesh, which is characteristic of birds of prey. Both sexes share similar coloration, though females are normally slightly larger.

3. Tamaño
An adult Red-Tailed Hawk usually grows to about 45 – 65 centimeters (18 – 26 inches) in length, with a wingspan reaching up to 115 to 145 centimeters (45 – 57 inches). They typically weigh between 690 and 1460 grams (1.5 to 3.2 pounds).

4. Hábitat y distribución
Red-Tailed Hawks are widely distributed across North America, stretching from Alaska to Panama. They are known for their adaptability and thus can inhabit diverse geographic regions, ranging from mountains and deserts to forests and tropical rainforests. They especially thrive in open areas, including grasslands and crop fields.

5. Datos de interés
The Red-Tailed Hawk has a notable soaring flight, often circling on warm air currents known as thermals. They have keen eyesight, approximately eight times stronger than a human’s. Another intriguing fact is that young Red-Tailed Hawks can’t develop the characteristic red tail until they are about two years old. Historically, these birds have great importance to Native American cultures, often symbolizing strength and courage.

6. Dieta
Their diet consists primarily of small to mid-sized mammals like mice, voles, rats, rabbits, and squirrels. However, they also eat a variety of birds, reptiles, and even carrion. Being opportunistic eaters allows them to adapt to varying ecosystems.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Red-Tailed Hawks are monogamous and can mate for life. They build large nests high above ground level in trees or on cliffs. When hunting, they soar above open areas to spot their prey with their extreme vision. Their call is a distinctive, raspy scream – “kee-eee-arrr” – that is often used in movies to represent any bird of prey.

8. Estado de conservación
As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Red-Tailed Hawk is listed as least concern due to its broad range and stable population.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, the Red-Tailed Hawk can live up to 20 years. However, with optimum conditions in captivity, some individuals have been recorded to live beyond 30 years.

10. Notas adicionales
Red-Tailed Hawks are often known to be relatively unaffected by human activities and can be frequently spotted in rural as well as urban areas. They efficiently control the population of rodents making them important to the ecosystem. Remarkably, in many regions, they are also observed taking over nests built by other species.

Subject to their geographical location, Red-Tail Hawks are known by various names. For instance, they are called “Buzzard” in Jamaica and “Gavilán Colirrojo” in Spanish-speaking regions.