Red-shouldered Hawk Bird

1. Bird Name: The Red-shouldered Hawk. Scientific name: Buteo lineatus.

2. Appearance: As an adult, the Red-shouldered Hawk is a striking bird with elegant coloration. Its plumage is predominantly rich, rufous-brown with dark and white barring on its wings and tail. The undersides are pale with rust-colored, narrow streaks running down. Its shoulders, as the name suggests, are bright russet-red, standing out against the rest of its body. The eyes are dark brown, and the beak is hooked and yellow, designed for tearing meat. There is no remarkable physical difference between males and females.

3. Size: On average, this raptor measures 38–58 cm (15–23 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 90–127 cm (35–50 inches). Its weight ranges from 550g to 700g (1.2–1.5 lbs).

4. Habitat & Distribution: The Red-shouldered Hawk is predominantly found across North America, with a range extending from Canada to Central America. Its preferred habitats include mixed woodlands, riparian zones, and even suburban areas where large trees are present. These raptors are also common around swamps and rivers.

5. Interesting Facts: Perhaps one of the most surprising facts is that these hawks often nest near American Crows, despite the fact that crows often steal their eggs. Red-shouldered Hawks are also known for their noisy nature, particularly when guarding their nests. These birds stay with one mate for life, exhibiting a high degree of monogamy.

6. Diet: This hunter primarily feeds on small mammals like mice, rabbits, and squirrels. They are also known to eat frogs, snakes, and birds. The hawks vigorously defend their hunting territories, waiting perched on branches to swoop down and capture unsuspecting prey.

7. Behavior & Sounds: These birds are known for their vocal nature, their call being a distinctive ‘kee-aah’ scream with the first note sharply down-pitched. Red-shouldered Hawks are diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day. Their flight pattern is distinctive, often characterized by flapping wings followed by gliding.

8. Conservation Status: As per the IUCN Red List, the Red-shouldered Hawk is currently designated as “Least Concern,” with the population appearing to be stable.

9. Lifespan: In the wild, Red-shouldered Hawks can live up to 20 years. In captivity, with a controlled environment and diet, their lifespan can extend up to 25 years.

10. Additional Notes: In Spanish, this bird is referred to as ‘gavilán de hombro rojo.’ They have been known to interact positively with humans, especially in suburban areas where they feed on pests. The Red-shouldered Hawk plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of small rodents and other pests. The appearance of this raptor in suburban regions requires careful management of human-wildlife interactions to protect this stunning bird.