hawk
1. Bird Name
The bird that we are profiling here is the immensely intriguing creature commonly known as the Red-Tailed Hawk. Its Latin name is Buteo Jamaicensis.
2. Appearance
This bird of prey is characterized by its rich, brownish-red tail feathers. The adults’ body is colored with a dark brown above and a lighter, buff-toned or rust color underneath. With broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail, this raptor is easily recognizable. The overall pattern on their plumage is often variable, while the distinctive red tail is the most common feature in mature examples. Young ones have brown tails until their first molt. The beak is short and hooked, typically indicative of a bird of prey. The eye color varies from yellow to brown. There is no significant difference in appearance between the males and females.
3. Size
On average, the Red-Tailed Hawk measures 45 to 65 centimeters (18 to 26 inches) in length. The wingspan of this bird ranges from 110 to 145 centimeters (43 to 57 inches) across. A healthy individual’s weight varies between 690 and 1,600 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Red-tailed Hawks are widely distributed across North America, Central America, West Indies and stretching up to Alaska. This species is adaptive and versatile, inhabiting a range of terrains including deserts, grasslands, forests, tropical rainforests, agricultural fields, and even urban areas.
5. Interesting Facts
Individual hawks have a known habit of developing an attachment to specific hunting territories, returning to them year after year. They are monogamous and usually mate for life. Cultural significance wise they are frequently referenced in native American tribal traditions and myths, viewed as symbols of strength and vision.
6. Diet
As carnivores at the top of the food chain, Red-tailed hawks primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits. They are also known to consume birds, reptiles, and fish.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Red-tailed Hawks are solitary creatures outside of their mating pairs. They often use high perches where they sit and watch for prey. Their call is a raspy, drawn-out, downward-sloping scream, “kee-eeee-arrrr” known to many from its frequent use in movies and television.
8. Conservation Status
Currently, Red-tailed Hawks are classified as ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List. This is largely attributed to their broad range, versatility in terms of habitat, and robust population.
9. Lifespan
Red-tailed Hawks have a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years in the wild, but some individuals have been known to live for over 20 years. In captivity, their lifespan can extend to almost 30 years.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, Red-tailed hawks are known as ‘Gavilán Colirrojo’. Human interaction with these animals is generally limited, though they are commonly sighted in North America, and do not display significant fear of humans. They play a crucial role in ecosystems as top-level predators by controlling populations of small mammals and other vermin that could otherwise dominate local food chains. For bird-watchers and enthusiasts, the sight of a Red-Tailed Hawk soaring overhead, a symbol of untamed potency, is always a highlight.
