




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
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.





Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
653
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!
Red-tailed Hawks can spot tiny prey from incredible heights because of their exceptional eyesight, helping them hunt efficiently.
Red-tailed Hawks have broad wings that allow them to soar effortlessly on air currents, conserving energy while hunting.
Red-tailed Hawks have powerful talons that help them firmly grasp and carry prey, ensuring a successful catch.
These fierce hunters feast on small mammals like rodents and rabbits, along with birds and reptiles.
Microtus pennsylvanicus
A common and important food source for hawks.
Sylvilagus floridanus
A frequent prey item, especially for larger hawks.

Bubo virginianus
Owls sometimes prey on hawk eggs or nestlings.
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Danger
2/5 · Low
It's best to admire Red-tailed Hawks from a distance. They are wild animals and should not be approached.
The easiest way to identify Red-tailed Hawk is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
45-65 cm
110-145 cm
0.7-1.6 kg
10-20 years
190 km/h
These fierce hunters feast on small mammals like rodents and rabbits, along with birds and reptiles.
Open fields, forests, and near mountains
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Jun 19, 2026
Desert Garden ConservatoryPhoto attribution
(c) Adam Petrucco, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 18, 2026
Norvin Green State ForestPhoto attribution
no rights reserved
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Jun 16, 2026
Arastradero PreservePhoto attribution
no rights reserved
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Jun 6, 2026
Reeves-Reed ArboretumPhoto attribution
(c) foxsu, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
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Jun 6, 2026
Downtown Historic DistrictPhoto attribution
(c) Chris Sulots, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.

California, US
You might spot Sequoia, California Newt, and Pacific Dogwood.
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Tennessee, US
You might spot House Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, and Gulf Fritillary.
View guide →
California, US
You might spot Acorn Woodpecker and Western Fence Lizard.
View guide →
Massachusetts, US
You might spot Eastern Cottontail and American Robin.
View guide →

California, US
You might spot Western Fence Lizard and California Brittlebush.
View guide →

Pennsylvania, US
You might spot Mountain Laurel, Ghost Pipe, and Sweetfern.
View guide →