Red-Tailed Hawk

Profile

The Red-Tailed Hawk is a powerful bird of prey often seen soaring high above fields and forests. It gets its name from the reddish color of its broad tail, which is most visible when the bird is gliding in sunlight.

Habitat & Range

Found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to Panama and the West Indies. Red-Tailed Hawks prefer open areas with tall trees or cliffs nearby for nesting and hunting. They adapt well to rural, suburban, and even city environments.

Diet & Role in the Ecosystem

Diet: They mainly eat small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They also hunt birds, reptiles, and occasionally carrion when live prey is scarce.

Predators: Adult Red-Tailed Hawks have few natural enemies, though owls, eagles, and raccoons may raid nests for eggs or chicks. Humans pose the greatest threat through habitat loss and collisions with vehicles.

Ecological Role: Red-Tailed Hawks are top hunters that help keep rodent populations in check. By preying on small mammals, they maintain balance among species lower in the food chain.

Behavior & Adaptations

These hawks have exceptional eyesight, eight times sharper than a human's. They soar on broad wings, using air currents to search for prey from above. Mated pairs often reuse the same nest year after year, adding new twigs each spring.

Interesting Fact

The piercing scream often used in movies to represent any eagle or hawk actually belongs to the Red-Tailed Hawk.

Conservation Status

Status: Least Concern. Red-Tailed Hawks are widespread and stable, with populations increasing in many areas due to their ability to live near humans.