About the Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Red-tailed Hawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
stable
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Collisions with human-made structures (wind turbines, power lines)
- Poisoning (lead, pesticides)
Photo Gallery
3 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
North America
Continent: North America
Country: United States, Canada
Region: Western and central United States, southern Canada
Central America
Continent: North America
Country: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
Region: Central America
Distribution Overview
The Red-tailed Hawk is a widespread species found in North and Central America, inhabiting open and semi-open habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 45 - 65 cm
- Weight
- 900 - 1600 g
- Lifespan
- up to 20-25 years
- Diet
- Small mammals (rodents, rabbits, hares), Reptiles (snakes, lizards), Birds (songbirds, game birds), Insects (grasshoppers, crickets)
Habitat
Open habitatsSemi-open habitatsDesertsGrasslandsAgricultural areas
Behavior
- Hunts from perches or while soaring, using acute vision
- Perches on trees, power poles, or fences, scanning for prey
- Engages in social behavior, often found in pairs or small family groups
- Breeds in trees or on cliff faces, with females laying 2-4 eggs
- Both parents care for young, which leave the nest after approximately 40-50 days