Photos
About Red-tailed Hawk
Hunts from perches or while soaring, using acute visionPerches on trees, power poles, or fences, scanning for preyEngages in social behavior, often found in pairs or small family groupsBreeds in trees or on cliff faces, with females laying 2-4 eggsBoth parents care for young, which leave the nest after approximately 40-50 days
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)
Conservation Status
Status
Least Concern
Population Trend
stable
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Collisions with human-made structures (wind turbines, power lines)
- Poisoning (lead, pesticides)
Additional Notes
The Red-tailed Hawk is a widespread and relatively common species in North and Central America, but its population is declining in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Distribution
North America
North America • United States, Canada
Central America
North America • Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
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.