Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

Identification: This large, common hawk is 18-25 inches in length with a wingspread of 48-56 inches. The adult Red-tailed Hawk is identified by round wings and a rounded tail that is reddish or rust colored on the upper side. This bird has a light breast with dark, broad bands streaking the belly. The underside of the tail is light colored. Immature birds generally exhibit a more mottled appearance with grayish tails. This hawk has a smooth, gliding flight pattern.

Range & Habitat: Red-tailed Hawks are found throughout the United States and are permanent residents in the southern and central states. This species is equally at home in mountains, deserts, prairies and farmlands, and is the hawk most likely to be seen along highways perched on utility poles and fence posts.

Reproduction: Ornithologists believe Red-tailed Hawks mate for life. Courtship displays consist of a series of deep dives and climbs through the air, and include glides as both adults point their feet downward. Both sexes build the nest, which is placed in a tree 15-70 feet above the ground and lined with bark, mosses and green sprigs. The rest of the nest is constructed with large sticks and twigs. Clutch size is typically 2-3 faintly marbled, white eggs incubated by the female for 28-32 days. Males remain in attendance and regularly bring food to the female as she is nesting. Young birds leave the nest 5-6 weeks after hatching.

Diet: Red-tailed Hawks are known to take small rodents, skunks and snakes. They soar over open country in search of prey, but just as often perch in trees at the edge of a meadow watching for the slightest movement in the grass below.

Remarks: Red-tailed Hawks are an important means of rodent control. Also referred to as "Red-tails," an individual hawk can eat over 1,000 mice a year. Multiply that number by the number of Red-tails in the country and you can clearly see how much more effective these birds are than pesticides. They also possess phenomenal eyesight, allowing them to spot a mouse from 100 feet away.