Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey and one of the most common hawks in North America. In the United States, it is one of three species colloquially known as the "chickenhawk". The red-tailed hawk breeds throughout most of the continent, from western Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. The red-tailed hawk occupies a wide range of habitats and altitudes including deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, agricultural fields and urban areas. It is absent in areas of unbroken forest and in the high arctic. It is legally protected in Canada, Mexico and the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty.
Fun Fact
Red-tailed hawks produce the iconic raptor screech used in nearly every movie and TV show for bald eagles — the actual bald eagle call is a surprisingly wimpy, high-pitched chatter.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open country and woodlands
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Wildfire