Buteo jamaicensis
buteo jamaicensisAlso known as Chickenhawk, Red-tail, Red-tailed Buzzard
Red-tailed hawks are formidable aerial predators easily recognized by their broad, rounded wings and the rich cinnamon-red tail of mature adults. They spend hours soaring on thermals or scanning open fields from roadside utility poles, utilizing their keen eyesight to spot small mammals from incredible heights. Their piercing, raspy scream is so iconic that Hollywood films frequently dub it over footage of other birds of prey.
1 / 7- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding primarily on small mammals, reptiles, and other birds
- family
- Accipitridae
- threats
- Vehicle collisions, rodenticide poisoning, illegal shooting, and lead poisoning
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Possesses powerful talons and a sharp beak; observe from a distance and do not handle.
Equipped with extremely powerful talons and a sharp, hooked beak capable of causing severe lacerations if cornered or handled.
Never attempt to rescue an injured hawk yourself; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to capture, harm, or possess them or their feathers.
Maintain a respectful distance, especially during the spring nesting season when they are highly sensitive to disturbance.- Look Up: Scan utility poles, fence posts, and highway trees where they perch to hunt.
- Listen Closely: Identify their distinctive, descending raspy scream to locate soaring individuals.
- Keep Distance: Avoid approaching nesting sites in spring to prevent stressful defensive behavior.