Red-tailed Hawk

Adults typically have a rich brown back, pale underparts with a characteristic 'belly band' of streaking, and a brick-red tail. Juveniles lack the red tail, featuring a brown, finely banded tail instead, and often have heavier streaking on the breast. Sexes are similar in plumage, though females are significantly larger.

Broad rounded wings, short wide tail (red in adults), whitish underparts with a distinct dark band of spots across the belly, and pale scapular 'V' on the back when viewed from above.

Length: 45–65 cm (18–26 in), Wingspan: 105–141 cm (41–56 in), Weight: 690–1600 g (1.5–3.5 lbs).

A hoarse, raspy, descending scream that sounds like 'kee-ee-arr', which is frequently used in media to represent any soaring hawk or eagle.

Primarily small mammals like mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels, but also consumes birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Forages by watching from an elevated perch and dropping down onto prey, or by hunting on the wing.

Adapts to a wide variety of habitats including deserts, scrublands, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas.

Partial migrant. Northernmost breeders migrate south for the winter, while populations in the southern US and Central America are year-round residents.

Builds large stick nests high up in tall trees or on cliff ledges. Usually lays 1 to 5 eggs per clutch. Both parents share incubation (lasting about 28 to 35 days) and feeding duties.

Rough-legged Hawk (distinguished by feathered legs and dark belly patches) and Swainson's Hawk (slenderer with a darker bib). Immature Red-tailed Hawks can be confused with Ferruginous Hawks or other Buteos, but the shape and belly band are key.

Acts as an apex predator in many ecosystems, helping to control populations of small mammals, rodents, and pests, thus maintaining ecological balance.

Least Concern, with stable or increasing populations.

Look for them perched on utility poles, fence posts, or tall trees near open fields, highways, and agricultural areas. Binoculars or a spotting scope are ideal for spotting their diagnostic belly band.

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional eyesight, capable of spotting a mouse from a height of 100 feet. They are also known to hunt cooperatively in pairs during the breeding season.