33 Facts About Red-Tailed Hawks: Habitat, Diet, And Much More

Red-tailed hawks are one of the large hawk species.

They are also known as 'soaring hawks,' 'Harlan's hawks,' and 'chicken hawks.' These hawks are arboreal in nature.

This hawk species gets its name from its distinctive red tail. A red-tailed hawk can be generally seen perching on a tree, telephone pole, or soaring high in the sky. This is done to hunt for their prey.

The female red-tailed hawks appear bigger than the male hawks. They are also known to fight for food mid-flight as they try to snatch it from one another. Read on to explore more intriguing facts about red-tailed hawks.

Taxonomy And Description

Red-tailed hawks are majestic creatures that expertly hunt their prey. Facts about the appearance and taxonomy of the red-tailed hawks are mentioned as follows.

The scientific name of a red-tailed hawk is Buteo jamaicensis.

Red-tailed hawks are part of the family Accipitridae, and they belong to the Buteo genus.

These hawks found in the western region have plumages that undergo varying phases ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown.

They have broad and long wings accompanied by wide and short tails.

Most red-tailed hawks have light-colored breasts, which further have dark streaks that resemble a mottled 'belly band.'

There is something called 'patagial' markings on the inner wings towards the outer edges. These markings look like a dark band.

The juvenile red-tailed hawks do not have red tails.

Distribution And Habitat

Like many other bird species, Red-tailed hawks prefer a specific environment they thrive in.

Red-tailed hawks are most commonly found in the North American region.

They are also seen in parts of the Caribbean and Central America.

These hawks are partially migrant bird species which means some of them, especially those living in the far north, move or migrate to other areas in the autumn season to escape the harsh winter months.

The habitat of the red-tailed hawks varies greatly. Their range of habitats includes plains, tropical rainforests, scrub desert, agricultural fields, montane grasslands, coastal regions, patchy deciduous and coniferous woodlands, pastures, and urban parks.

The habitat of these hawks also influences their diets in many ways.

Behavior And Diet

Each bird species behave differently. Their behavior includes their mating rituals and their nesting habits. Red-tailed hawks also have some specific behavioral habits that differentiate them from other bird species. Some behavior-related facts about the fascinating red-tailed hawks, including their diet, are listed below.

Red-tailed hawks have a habit of soaring over their territories to check whether they have been trespassed by any intruders.

They also soar at high altitudes to hunt for their prey.

A red-tailed hawk is a diurnal creature which means they are active during the daytime.

The species of the red-tailed hawk is primarily solitary. However, they are seen socializing during migration and breeding season.

The male red-tailed hawk shows its possessiveness by screeching mid-flight during nesting season.

These birds create their nests on large trees in open areas and wooded fence rows near the forest edges.

The courtship rituals of these hawks involve the female and male birds flying together in circles and sometimes even locking their talons together as they spiral dive to the ground together.

The major part of a red-tailed hawk's diet includes small rodents.

Their diet also varies as per the season and their location.

It can include small mammals like birds, rabbits, ground squirrels, rats, vole, and reptiles such as frogs, snakes, and toads.

They can also eat insects and carrion, which is the dead body of an animal.

Relationship With Humans

Many animal species share different types of relationships with humans. While some are considered pests, others become useful for various purposes.

As red-tailed hawks prey on rodents and other insects that are a nuisance to humans, they are beneficial to have around.

Humans have also made use of hawks, including the red-tailed ones, in activities of hawking and falconry.

Many birdwatchers love to observe the red-tailed hawk and learn more about these birds.

While the red-tailed hawk has proved advantageous for humans, it is not the same the other way around.

There are bird hunters that prove to be a threat to the population of this bird species, along with the threats caused by pollution, climate change, and loss of habitat.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

Red-tailed hawks are pretty interesting to observe. Some more wonderful facts about these birds are mentioned as follows.

Red-tailed hawks practice monogamy. This means they only have one partner or mate at a time.

The inside of the red-tailed hawk eggshells is green-colored.

A red-tailed hawk is known to be an ambush predator, which means they catch their prey through strategies, luring, and stealth.

A red-tailed hawk is only second to ferruginous hawk in terms of size.

Red-tailed hawks do not need to eat every single day.

Instead, the excess food is stored in the bird's crop and is released as and when required.

FAQs

What is a red-tailed hawk known for?

A red-tailed hawk is known for its hunting skills.

How rare is a red-tailed hawk?

The population of the red-tailed hawk species worldwide is about 2.3 million birds (as of 2015).

What will a red tail hawk eat?

A red-tailed hawk eats small mammals and rodents like rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, and some reptiles and insects.

What are red-tailed hawks afraid of?

A red-tailed hawk is scared of eagles, crows, and owls. It is also scared of raccoons and snakes who might steal its eggs from the nest.

Are hawks friendly to humans?

Usually, hawks do not show hostile behavior towards humans. However, they can become aggressive if they feel their nests are threatened.

Do red-tailed hawks eat cats?

Red-tailed hawks can eat small cats, but such an instance happens very rarely.

How do red-tailed hawks fly?

Red-tailed hawks fly soaring to high altitudes.

Where do red-tailed hawks typically nest?

A red-tailed hawk creates its nest in large trees in open areas and fence-rows existing along the forest edges.