Hello everyone! This week in our American birds series, we’re introducing the Red-tailed Hawk, a member of the hawk family that is commonly seen across North America. When you look up at the sky, you might notice a large bird gliding in wide circles with its wings spread. Many people recognize that majestic silhouette as the Red-tailed Hawk.
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large hawk, about 55 cm in body length, with a wingspan of over 1 meter. Its back is brown, and its belly is pale with streaked markings. Its most distinctive feature, as the name suggests, is its brick-red tail feathers. When it is flying, the red tail can be surprisingly noticeable. Pretty cool, right? Interestingly, the underside of the tail appears whitish, and young birds do not yet have the red-colored tail.
Red-tailed Hawks are widely distributed across North America and into Central America. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands and deserts, but they can also be found in mountains, forests, and even near towns and cities. You might see one perched on a telephone pole or streetlight, quietly staring down at the ground. With their sharp eyesight, they spot small mammals like mice, as well as reptiles, and then dive down swiftly to catch their prey. They are truly skilled hunters.
During the breeding season, males and females perform spectacular aerial displays. They soar high into the sky and repeatedly dive and climb in dramatic flight patterns. Sometimes they even grasp each other’s talons and spiral downward together through the air. It’s an incredible sight!
The Red-tailed Hawk glides across the sky with its red tail flashing in the sunlight. The next time you look up at the sky, it might be fun to imagine a Red-tailed Hawk circling high above. See you next time!
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