red tail hawk

1. Bird Name

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

2. Appearance

The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Its moniker comes from the mature bird’s brick-red tail, while the rest of its plumage varies greatly depending on the region. Typically, Red-tailed hawks have a brownish hue on their upper side and pale underneath. Most of them feature a streaked belly and, on the wing underside, a dark bar between the shoulder and the wrist. The beak is hooked and yellow in color, with dark tips, while the eyes are dark brown. There’s no significant difference in plumage between males and females, though females are generally larger.

3. Size

The average length of a Red-tailed hawk is 45-65 cm (18-26 inches), with the wingspan reaching 114-133 cm (45-52 inches). Generally, females are larger than males, weighing in between 800 and 1450g, while males weigh between 690 and 1300g.

4. Habitat & Distribution

Red-tailed Hawks are widely distributed across North America, Central America, and the West Indies. They are incredibly adaptable and can be found in various habitats including deserts, grasslands, forests, tropical rainforests, agricultural fields, and even urban areas.

5. Interesting Facts

• Red-tailed Hawks are known for their soaring flights and broad, rounded wings which allow them to comfortably ride thermals.
• During mating season, pairs put on an aerial show, including circling flights and a series of dives and ascents.
• The Red-tailed Hawk features prominently in Native American culture and mythology, often linked with visions and messages.

6. Diet

Red-tailed Hawks are carnivores, primarily feeding on small mammals like mice, rabbits, and squirrels. They also consume birds and reptiles, and occasionally, they might indulge in carrion.

7. Behavior & Sounds

Often seen perched on tall vantage points, Red-tailed Hawks use their keen eyesight to hunt. They fly in a slow, soaring pattern while searching for prey. Their call is a distinctive, raspy scream, often described as a two-part “keer-r-r-r” sound.

8. Conservation Status

The Red-tailed Hawk is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List due to their adaptable nature and wide distribution.

9. Lifespan

In the wild, Red-tailed Hawks can live up to 21 years. Those in captivity, due to lack of predators and regular food, can live up to 29 years.

10. Additional Notes

• In Spanish, the Red-tailed Hawk is known as “gavilán colirrojo.”
• Red-tailed Hawks have been known to sometimes share their territories with other bird species.
• They play an important role in controlling rodent populations.