Red-tailed Hawk - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

ORDER: Falconiformes
FAMILY: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles - 25 Species)
SPECIES: Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk belongs to a category of birds known as Raptors or birds of prey. Red-tailed hawks mate for life. The male and the female share a territory and defend it against other raptors. They wait on a high perch observing the area below (perch-hunting) or patrol open areas, soaring high above the ground trying to spot the movement of small mammals using their terrific eyesight.
SIZE	The Red-tailed Hawk is a large (18-26”) hawk, a bird of prey.
DESCRIPTION	The Red-tailed has a tail that is rusty red above, while the underside is usually light with a dark spotted belly band. Sexes are similar in appearance, but the female is larger.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 1-3 eggs, which are incubated in 28 to 33 days. They often use the same nest year after year, which is usually located in the tallest tree of the area. The nests are 2 - 3 feet across, made of twigs, sticks, and bark, lined with fresh green foliage and evergreen sprigs.
RANGE	The Red-tailed is the most common and widespread hawk in North America.
HABITAT	They habitat woodlands near fields and open areas with high perches, where they can perch while observing the area below (perch-hunting) or patrol open areas, soaring high above looking for any small mammal movement.
DIET	They hunt for small mammals such as rodents, rabbits and birds.




Red-tailed Hawk

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Seneca County, New York

On a warm day in late January of 2005, this Red-tailed Hawk is closely watching a muskrat rustling in the snow and grass. He missed him this time, but he flew on to search for dinner in another place.
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Scipio Township Cayuga County, New York

In early fall of 2003, a young Red-tailed Hawk sits on the top of an electrical pole searching for rodents in the ditch line below.


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Dryden Township Tompkins County, New York

	In February 2005, this Red-tailed Hawk, with his red tail glistening in the sunshine, has just bagged a muskrat.
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Genoa Township Cayuga County, New York

In March of 2005, this Red-tailed Hawk basks in the warmth of the late evening sun. Notice the nictitating membrane (inner eyelid) is closed to protect the eye from the brilliance of the sun.
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Galen Township Wayne County, New York

	In September of 2004, this Red-tailed Hawk rotates his head as he searches for prey in all directions. He seems oblivious to me as I observe his actions and take a number of photos of him.
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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.




Red-shouldered Hawk Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes