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Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

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 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