<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="65001"%> Red-tailed Hawk
Willowbrook Wildlife Center Raptor Volunteer Interpreteres

Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

 

 

Education birds representing this species: Alba, Henna, and The Professor.
Alumni: Leoti, Lutah and Dusty (Dusty housed on Exhibit Trail)


l to r: Alba, The Professor, and Henna

 

Interesting Facts:

  • Most wide-spread in North America
  • There are five sub-species - difficult to tell apart!

Physical Dimensions:

  • wing span ~4 - 4.5 feet
  • weight ~1.5 to 4 pounds

Prey (often able to stay year round because of variety of diet - no need to migrate)

  • Mostly small mammals (mice, rabbits, squirrels, rats)
  • birds
  • bats
  • snakes
  • crayfish
  • fish
  • amphibians
  • insects
  • dead animals (carrion)

Hunting Techniques:

  • Stoop on prey from above (riding thermals or a high perch)
  • Chase prey in direct flight
  • Surprise prey
  • Hover hunt
  • steal from less aggressive raptors

Range:

  • North America and Central America
  • Only migrates if food is unavailable (usually younger birds migrate, older stay and defend a territory)

Red-Tailed Hawk Distribution Map

Color:

  • no sexual dimorphism (when males and females differ in coloring). Sexual dimorphism is unusual in raptors.
  • extreme range of color in individuals (can be dark as a golden eagle, and so light its thought to be albino)
  • It's rare to see a red-tailed hawk in transition as it develops it's signature red tail (click here to see a photo and more information)

Reproduction:

  • Builds nest of sticks woven together to form a cup - in trees, on cliffs, utility poles, buildings, etc.
  • Builds a nest in March-June
    2-3 eggs
    incubation for 28-35 days
    Fledged after 42-46 days
    Independent of parents 3+ month
  • Young are vulnerable to Great Horned Owl, bobcats, foxes and coyotes

Conservation:

  • No conservation issues - not endangered, but often victim of human persecution (poisoning)
  • Has taken advantage of deforestation and urban sprawl (golf courses and roadsides are good for hunting)

Links and Downloads: