Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis · Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks
The Red-tailed Hawk is a widespread and familiar raptor across North America, known for its broad, rounded wings and soaring flight. This adaptable hawk can be found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats. Adults are typically identified by their distinctive reddish-brown tail, though plumage can vary considerably across its extensive range.
Explore the full field guideResident, MigratoryLarge sizeRaspy screamCarnivorous
5 calls·first heard Aug 14·last 3d ago
When it's heardpeak 4p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults typically have a uniformly brick-red tail on the upper side, appearing light buff-orange from below.
- Immature birds have a brown tail with numerous narrow dark bands, lacking the adult's red coloration.
- Many individuals, especially in the eastern part of the continent, exhibit a band of dark streaks across the lower belly.
- From below, look for a dark bar on the leading edge of the wing, between the shoulder and the wrist.