Red-tailed Hawk (Red-tail, Hen Hawk)

The Red-tailed Hawk is a large, powerful raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults typically feature a rich reddish-brown upperparts and a distinctive rusty-red tail that is often bright in sunlight. They are quintessential soaring hawks, frequently spotted circling open fields or perching prominently on roadside utility poles scanning for small mammals.

Warm reddish-brown to cinnamon background with prominent dark greyish-brown horizontal bars (subterminal banding) and a lighter greyish-white base

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a fluffy plumulaceous (downy) structure near the base

Smooth and firm at the pennaceous tip with a soft, downy texture at the proximal base; matte finish

Rich rufous-brown coloration combined with distinct dark greyish-brown horizontal barring and a soft, fluffy plumulaceous base

Adapts to a wide range of habitats including deserts, scrublands, coniferous and deciduous forests, urban areas, and agricultural fields, from sea level to timberline

Widespread throughout North America, extending from western Alaska and northern Canada down through Central America and the Caribbean

As apex avian predators, they play a vital role in regulating rodent and small mammal populations, helping maintain balanced local ecosystems

Cooper's Hawk or Ferruginous Hawk, but distinguished by the specific rufous tones and distinct banding pattern typical of Buteo jamaicensis body feathers

Red-tailed Hawks have incredible eyesight, capable of spotting a mouse from a height of 100 feet. Their iconic piercing scream is frequently used in Hollywood films to represent any soaring raptor, even eagles

Good condition, fresh molt appearance with intact barbs and minimal wear at the tip