Red-tailed Hawk
The hallmark red tail of this bird is brown for its first year of life. After that, it is only red on the top. The whitish breast and belly are distinctive when the owl is perched. The brownish belly-band varies greatly. The majority of the bird’s topside is brown. Wings and tail are large and broad. Length to 24”, wingspan to 48”.
Behavior: The Red-tailed Hawk is often seen perched in trees along wooded edges and on man-made structures along highways. Also commonly seen soaring – flying without flapping.
Habitat: Hunts in fields and other open habitats. Nests in woodland and woodlots with large trees.
Range: Throughout Central and North America.
Abundance: Common.
Nesting: Builds large stick nest in large tree in woodland or woodlot. Lays 2 to 3 eggs in late winter or early spring. Both parents care for eggs and young.
Food: Mostly rodents including mice, voles
and squirrels. Also birds, snakes and amphibians.
