Common name: RED-TAILED HAWK
Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
Identifying characteristics:
A large hawk, usually weighing between 2 and 4 pounds. This species shows a great deal of individual variation in plumage. The adult has a rufous-colored tail that may or may not have a black terminal bar. However, there are both light and dark-colored races that differ from this. In all of the color phases, the underside of the primaries are light-colored. Immatures resemble the adults except their tail is brown with dark bars; the red tail comes in during the first molt.
Range:
The Red-Tailed Hawks' breeding range extends from Central Alaska through Canada and across the entire US, south through Mexico and into Central America. In winter, many of the northern birds move south; however, Red-Tails can commonly be seen as far north as Minnesota each winter.
Habitat:
In Texas, the Red-Tail is the most frequently seen hawk. It may be near open fields, especially close to farms, but also inhabitats the city where it may hunt alongside roads. It is usually found in grasslands or marsh-shrub habitats.
Nesting:
Red-Tails typically do not breed their first year. Pairs build a large stick nest near the top of a tree (usually deciduous) at the edge of open canopy woods. Two or three eggs are usually laid in April or May, hatching in about 30 days. The young remain in the vicinity of the nest until they can fly, then follow their parents as they learn to forage for themselves.
Feeding habits:
Red-Tails feed on a wide variety of prey. Mammals commonly make up a large part of their diet including everything form small mice to rabbits. They will also take medium-sized birds, and reptiles such as lizards and snakes.
On the Wing Again data:
The Red-Tail is the most frequent hawk to need rehabilitation attention. He is often the victim of car collisions, shooting, and occasionally a steel-jaw trap.
Conservation status:
The Red-Tail has made a spectacular comeback since the days of hawk bounties. It is a popular bird among falconers.
