A large, stocky, broad-winged hawk with so much variation in coloring that accurate identification is sometimes difficult. Most have a whitish breast with a dark band, rust-colored tail with black bars near the tip, and white markings on the face. Males are typically smaller than females. Red-tailed Hawks soar over open country, flapping their wings as little as possible, or perch upright and motionless in tall trees searching for prey. Their extraordinary eyesight enables them to locate prey from great distances.
Forest, Grassland, Wetland, Urban
Red-tailed hawks are native only to the Nearctic region. They are found throughout the United States and Canada, and into Mexico and Central America. Many birds are year round occupants although the birds of the far north migrate south during the fall to escape the harsh winter.
Common
Diurnal
The red-tailed hawk is carnivorous and a highly opportunistic feeder. Eighty to eighty-five percent of their diet consists of small rodents.
Does most hunting by watching from a high perch, then swooping down to capture prey in its talons. Also hunts by flying over fields, watching for prey below. Red-tailed hawk pairs remain together for years in the same territory. These birds are very territorial. Soaring is by far the most efficient method of flight for red-tailed hawks, so is used more often than not. Active flight is slow and deliberate, with deep wing beats.
Red-tailed hawks play an important role in local ecosystems by helping to control the populations of small mammals, including rodents and rabbits. They also provide habitat for some small bird species, including house sparrows, that live in active red-tailed hawk nests.
Least Concern
