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 Act.
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Breeds from Alaska and Canada through the United States and Mexico to Central America and the West Indies, with wintering birds expanding into more southerly areas. Occupies a wide variety of habitats including deserts, grasslands, open woodlands, agricultural lands, and urban and suburban edges. It avoids extensive unbroken forests and the high Arctic. Frequently uses roadside corridors and utility rights-of-way for hunting and perching.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most familiar raptors of North America, often seen perched on roadside poles or soaring over open country. Its harsh, descending scream is frequently used in films to represent birds of prey. Extremely variable in plumage, it typically shows a rufous tail in adults and a dark belly band on pale underparts. It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
In flight showing the red tail
Immature in California
A juvenile red-tailed hawk
Red-tailed hawks engaging in an inflight battle over prey. Painted by John James Audubon.
Juvenile eating a squirrel
Territorial adult chasing away an immature red-tailed hawk
Parent in nest with chicks
Red-tailed hawk in Oregon
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that defend large territories. Nests on tall trees, cliffs, or human structures, building large stick nests that are reused and added to annually. Courtship includes sky-dancing displays and mutual soaring.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Famous for a raspy, descending scream often rendered as 'kee-eeeee-arr'. Calls are given during territorial displays, courtship, and when alarmed; otherwise relatively quiet.
