This hawk is among the most prevalent species in North America. If you have sharp eyes, you may spot several of them during any lengthy car journey across the lower 48 states. Red-tailed Hawks gracefully soar above open fields, gliding in slow, circular patterns on their wide, rounded wings. You might also see them perched on telephone poles, intently watching the ground for the slightest movement of a vole or rabbit. These hawks exhibit highly variable feather color (plumage), with some differences being regional. For instance, a Northern Great Plains variant known as “Krider’s” hawk is characterized by its pale coloration, featuring a whitish head and a washed-out pink tail. Dark-morph individuals are common in western North America, especially in Alaska and northwest Canada, where the entirely dark “Harlan’s” morph is frequently seen.

Fun Facts

• The Red-tailed Hawk boasts an exhilarating, raspy scream that perfectly embodies the essence of a raptor. At least, that’s the impression Hollywood directors convey. Whenever a hawk or eagle appears on TV or the movies, regardless of its species, the piercing call in the background is nearly always that of a Red-tailed Hawk.
• This species has been observed hunting in pairs, strategically positioning themselves on opposite sides of a tree to capture tree squirrels.
• The oldest recorded wild Red-tailed Hawk was found in Michigan in 2011, living to be at least 30 years and 8 months old. Interestingly, it was banded in the same state back in 1981.
• There are 14 distinct color morphs of Red-tailed Hawks.