Does the red hawk eat snakes?

Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are known to be opportunistic predators, and their diet can vary widely depending on the availability of prey. While they primarily hunt small mammals such as voles, mice, and rabbits, they may also occasionally consume snakes, including nonvenomous and venomous species. However, snakes do not typically make up a significant portion of their diet.

If a red-tailed hawk encounters a snake, it may hunt it depending on the size and the hawk's hunger level. Red-tailed hawks are skilled hunters and use their sharp eyesight and talons to capture their prey. If successful, they may consume the snake, starting with the head and then consuming the rest of the body.

However, it's worth noting that individual red-tailed hawks can vary in their preferences, and some may hunt snakes more frequently than others. Additionally, factors such as the habitat, season, and prey availability can influence the hawk's dietary choices.