RED-TAILED HAWK
Buteo jamaicensis
DESCRIPTION
The Red-tailed hawk is a large bird of prey known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail and broad wings. Adults typically have a brownish body with a lighter underside, and their wings are marked with dark bands. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, often seen soaring in the sky or perched on trees and poles, scanning for prey.
FUN FACTS
- Red-tailed hawks are known for their distinctive call, which is often used in movies to represent all birds of prey, even though it is unique to them
- They have excellent vision, allowing them to spot prey from over a mile away, making them highly effective hunters in their environment.| The red tail of the hawk is not visible until they reach maturity, which can take up to three years
- This coloration helps them to be easily identified by bird watchers and enthusiasts, contributing to their popularity among raptor lovers
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight0.7-1.5 kg
Average Length45-65 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically seen alone or in pairs during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- Red-tailed hawks inhabit a range of environments, including open fields, forests, and urban areas. They prefer areas with tall perches for hunting and nesting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Urban
- Native Range
- North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Red-tailed hawks primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great heights.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- Rodents, rabbits, and birds
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically seen alone or in pairs during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
LC
0.7-1.5 kg
Weight
45-65 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Brown above with a lighter, streaked belly and a characteristic red tail
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Red-tailed hawks is stable and widespread across their range.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 500,000+
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion. They are also at risk from vehicle collisions and poisoning from rodenticides.
- Predators
- Great horned owls, larger raptors, and humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use their sharp talons and beaks to defend themselves and their nests.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon