One of the most widespread and familiar birds of prey in North America. Often seen soaring high above open fields, perched on telephone poles, or gliding along highways, this hawk is a symbol of wild freedom and a top predator in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, forests, farmland, and even cities.
Their most distinctive feature — and what gives them their name — is the rich, reddish-brown tail, which is especially vibrant when seen from above or in sunlight. Their body plumage varies, but most have a brown back, a pale chest with a dark belly band, and light-colored underwings with a noticeable dark bar along the edge.
Red-tailed hawks are incredibly adaptable and can survive in nearly any landscape that offers open hunting ground and a few high perches. They are primarily diurnal hunters, using their sharp eyesight (which is several times better than a human’s) to spot small mammals, like mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels, from high above. Once prey is detected, they dive quickly and powerfully, using their strong talons to grab and kill with precision. They may also eat reptiles, birds, or carrion when available.
The red-tailed hawk’s cry — a piercing, raspy “kreeeee” — is one of the most iconic bird calls in film and television. It’s often used in movies as the “voice” of any large bird of prey, even if the bird on screen is a bald eagle or another species.
Red-tailed hawks are monogamous and may stay with the same mate for life. They build large stick nests high up in trees, cliffs, or even on tall buildings or towers, and they fiercely defend their territory during nesting season.
Distribution
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
British Virgin Is.
Canada
Cayman Islands
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Mexico
Montserrat
Nicaragua
Panama
Puerto Rico
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
St. Kitts & Nevis
Turks & Caicos
US Minor Is.
US Virgin Islands
United States
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
