The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a large, stocky raptor commonly seen across North America. It belongs to a group often called buzzards in colloquial usage (buzzard) and is one of the most familiar members of the hawk family. As a bird of prey, or raptor, it uses powerful talons and keen vision to capture animals. Many people call it a "chickenhawk," though chickens are not a primary food source for a typical adult.

Range and habitat

Red-tailed hawks breed across most of the continent, from the high latitudes of western Alaska (western Alaska) and the boreal regions of northern Canada (northern Canada) southward through the United States into Central America, reaching as far as Panama (Panama) and island populations in the West Indies. Their broad distribution (range map) reflects adaptability: they occupy forests, open fields, deserts, agricultural land, and suburban edges. They commonly perch on trees, poles, and roadside posts from which they scan for prey.

Size and appearance

Adults are medium-to-large Buteos, typically weighing between about 1.5 and 3.5 pounds (1.5–3.5 lb) or roughly 1–2 kilograms (1–2 kg). Wingspan commonly ranges from roughly 43 to 57 inches (43–57 in) or about 1,092 to 1,448 millimeters (1,092–1,448 mm). Adult plumage usually features a warm reddish-brown tail that gives the species its name; however, plumage can vary regionally and by morph, with light, intermediate and dark forms occurring. Juveniles lack the solid red tail and show more streaking and banding.

Behavior and diet

Red-tailed hawks are versatile hunters. They hunt primarily small to medium-sized mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits and ground squirrels, but will also take birds, reptiles and carrion when available. They use excellent eyesight to detect movement, often hunting from a high perch or by soaring over open country on thermal updrafts. When attacking, they descend rapidly and seize prey with their feet, using powerful talons to subdue it. Observers have reported very quick strike times from sighting to capture.

Breeding and life history

Pairs defend territories and build bulky stick nests in trees, on cliffs, or on human structures. A typical clutch usually includes one to several eggs; both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young. Juveniles disperse after fledging and may roam widely before establishing their own territories. Across most of its range the red-tailed hawk is common and its populations are considered stable.

Identification tips and human interactions

  • Key field marks: broad, rounded wings in flight, a stocky body, and a rufous tail in adults.
  • Flight style: soars with wings in a slight dihedral and often stalls to hover momentarily before stooping.
  • Vocalization: a descending, raspy scream frequently used in films to represent generic raptors.

Red-tailed hawks are also the most common species used in falconry in parts of North America because of their abundance and trainability. Falconers typically take young, recently independent birds known as "passage" hawks rather than breeding adults; regulations in many places restrict taking adults to avoid harming local breeding populations (falconry practices). Their adaptability means they are often seen near human habitation, where they provide natural rodent control and are valued by many birdwatchers.

For more detailed species accounts, identification keys, and range information, consult region-specific field guides and authoritative bird conservation resources (buzzard overview, raptor resources, range details, Alaska records, Canadian occurrences, Central American range, weight data, metric conversions, wingspan notes, measurements, falconry information).