Fauna
Bird

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

Also known as Red-shouldered Buzzard, Winter Hawk

Red-shouldered hawks command moist deciduous woodlands and wooded river valleys with loud, ringing kee-aah calls that echo through the canopy. These agile forest hunters drop from low perches to snatch frogs, snakes, and small rodents off the forest floor. Pairs form long-term bonds, returning year after year to rebuild massive stick nests in the main crotch of tall hardwood trees.

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Red-shouldered Hawk reference1 / 7
"Red-shouldered Hawk (and Ladybug)" by Andy Morffew is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMice and voles, Frogs and toads, Small snakes
Predators
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Bald Eagle
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and secondary pesticide poisoning
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, river valleys, forested swamps, and suburban parks
Life span10–19 years
Classification
  1. OrderAccipitriformes
  2. FamilyAccipitridae
  3. GenusButeo
  4. SpeciesButeo lineatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May defend nest sites aggressively if closely approached; observe nesting birds from a distance.
What to notice
Look for a black-and-white banded tail, reddish breast, and translucent pale wing crescents in flight.
Support conservation
Keep a respectful distance from active nests and use binoculars to avoid flushing incubating parents.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for vocalizations: Listen for loud, repeated kee-aah calls echoing through deciduous river bottoms.
  • Watch for flying displays: Look for soaring pairs performing sky-dancing courtship flights in early spring.
  • Maintain nest distance: Keep clear of active stick nests in major tree crotches to avoid disturbing parents.
Related species
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Mystic Meadows

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