Red-tailed Hawk
ExploreBird
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
The Red-tailed Hawk is a beautiful bird known for its reddish-brown tail. It soars high in the sky and can spot small animals from far away!
Habitat: Open fields, forests, and near mountains
Appearance
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults famously display a brick-red tail and often have a dark “patagial” bar along the leading edge of their underwing. Many also have a dark belly band.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusButeo
Category
BirdRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
434
Interesting facts
Wow! Female Red-tailed Hawks are usually much larger than the males!
Wow! Red-tailed Hawks can see colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, unlike humans!
Wow! Some Red-tailed Hawk nests can weigh over 100 pounds!
Wow! The famous “eagle scream” in movies is often actually a Red-tailed Hawk!
Special abilities
Ability
Eagle Eye Vision
Red-tailed Hawks can spot tiny prey from incredible heights because of their exceptional eyesight, helping them hunt efficiently.
Ability
Silent Soarer
Red-tailed Hawks have broad wings that allow them to soar effortlessly on air currents, conserving energy while hunting.
Ability
Crushing Grip
Red-tailed Hawks have powerful talons that help them firmly grasp and carry prey, ensuring a successful catch.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 45-65 cm
- Wingspan
- 110-145 cm
- Weight
- 0.7-1.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 190 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-5
- Incubation
- 28-35 days
- Migration Distance
- 3000 km
Diet & Feeding
These fierce hunters feast on small mammals like rodents and rabbits, along with birds and reptiles.
Primary Foods
- Mice
- Voles
- Rabbits
- Squirrels
- Snakes
- Small Birds
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
A common and important food source for hawks.
hunts
Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
A frequent prey item, especially for larger hawks.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Owls sometimes prey on hawk eggs or nestlings.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Aerial
Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Diurnal
Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.
Also known as
Buteo jamaicensisRedtail Hawk
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
It's best to admire Red-tailed Hawks from a distance. They are wild animals and should not be approached.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Red-tailed Hawk?
45-65 cm
What is Red-tailed Hawk's wingspan?
110-145 cm
How much does Red-tailed Hawk weigh?
0.7-1.6 kg
How long does Red-tailed Hawk live?
10-20 years
How fast can Red-tailed Hawk move?
190 km/h
What does Red-tailed Hawk eat?
These fierce hunters feast on small mammals like rodents and rabbits, along with birds and reptiles.
Where is Red-tailed Hawk usually found?
Open fields, forests, and near mountains
How does Red-tailed Hawk hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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Zoo30 sightings19 species
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