Red-tailed Hawk — Species Information

Red-tailed Hawk by Lance Wilson
Red-tailed Hawk - © Lance Wilson

Red-tail Hawks are one of the most commonly seen raptors in North America, they are also the most commonly heard raptor as well. In every commercial, tv show, or movie, the scream used as a sound effect is the scream of a red-tailed hawk - regardless of the bird being shown on the screen.

Fun Facts!

Most common large hawk, can be found in every U.S state and almost all habitats

Most juveniles have a barred, brown tail; the defining brick-red tail feathers appear in the second year

A generalist predator that hunts a wide variety of species, including reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and birds

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