Red-Tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawk perched on a branch
Red-tailed hawk. Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash
AppearanceThe red-tailed hawk is a large bird about 22″ long and primarily brown with white patches underneath with dark streaks, and a broad-squared tail. In the west, the tail is red/brown (rufous) underneath while those found in the east have a more washed-out reddish tail.
DietSmall mammals, reptiles, and larger birds.
Feeder FoodThey don’t visit feeders.
HabitatRed-tailed hawks live in a variety of habitats including mountainous, woodlands, prairies, and deserts.
NestingThey place their bulky platform-style nests high in a large tree – sometimes on power-line towers or building ledges as well. They have 1 brood/season, 1-5 eggs/brood, and incubation for 28-35 days. Fledglings leave the nest 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Range Map

Red-tailed hawk range map.
Red-tailed hawk range map. Compliments of The Cornell Lab.