Red-Tailed Hawk Facts

The red-tailed hawk is a large predatory bird. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it is the most common hawk in North America.

  1. Identification

    • Red-tail hawks are large birds with a wide wingspan. They are usually dark brown with a white streaked underbelly. They get their name from the reddish feathers of their tails.

    Features

    • Red-tailed hawks live on small rodents and other birds. You will often see them in wide open places, sitting on poles and in trees watching out for prey.

    Geography

    • Red-tailed hawks are found in most of the United States throughout the year. During the summer, they can be found in Canada. During the winter, they migrate as far south as Nicaragua.

    Considerations

    • You will likely most often see the red-tailed hawk from a distance. They rarely spend time in back yards or places frequented often by people.

    Misconceptions

    • Some people may confuse other birds such as the turkey vulture for the red-tailed hawk at a distance. Vultures have longer wings that are more rectangular in shape.