They are monogamous, remaining with the same mate for many years. Red-tailed Hawks usually begin breeding when they are three years old. Red-tailed Hawk feeding chick, Collins92, Shutterstock Faithful Mates Red-tailed Hawks are also variable in their hunting styles, sometimes using a “sit-and-wait” strategy and at other times soaring or hovering high in the air to spot prey, then grabbing it from a high-speed stoop. Red-tailed Hawks feed on a wide variety of prey, although their diet primarily consists of rodents and rabbits, with reptiles and birds rounding out the diet. Migratory behavior in this species is significantly influenced by weather, particularly snow cover and food supply. Others migrate relatively short distances, with northern populations tending to move south during the fall. Unlike the related Swainson's Hawk, which migrates long distances, many Red-tailed Hawks are resident. Juvenile birds can add to the confusion instead of a red tail, immatures bird's show narrow brown-and-white bars on their tails. Some subspecies lack the typical field marks of the species, such as the dark belly band and reddish tail, making for tricky identification challenges. One subspecies in western North America, the Harlan's Hawk, has an all-dark body and is considered a separate species by some ornithologists. There are 14 recognized subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk, which vary most noticeably in color and shade. (Audio by Tayler Brooks XC34863, accessible at and Paul Marvin XC165314, accessible at Highly Heterogeneous Hawk It's used as a substitute so often that most people don't know what a Bald Eagle really sounds like! You can compare the two below. Enter the Red-tail, whose call has been deemed macho enough to substitute for the eagle's. In reality, the Bald Eagle has a chittering, high-pitched call, which apparently doesn't sound imposing enough to go along with its tough appearance. The Red-tailed Hawk's long, raspy call is often heard on TV and in movies when a Bald Eagle is shown. This big hawk is also a talented voiceover artist, standing in for one of the most often-seen raptors on television. Red-tailed Hawks have some unique features as well: a belly band formed of dark, vertical streaks, dark patagial markings (the patagium is the area running along the leading edge of the underwing), and the eponymous reddish-brown tail. This handsome raptor is the epitome of its genus, Buteo, with its wide wings, short tail, and chunky build. It often thrives in suburbia and is seen along roadsides perched atop tall poles. Common nocturnal raptors include the barn owl ( Tyto alba), great-horned owl ( Bubo virginianus), Western screech owl ( Otus kennicottii), and long-eared owl ( Asio otus).One of the largest and most common birds of prey in North America, the Red-tailed Hawk is a familiar sight even to nonbirders. Less common diurnal species include the golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos), and peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus). Threats to raptors include loss of foraging and nesting habitat, electrocution, and nest disturbance from recreationalists.Ĭommon diurnal raptors include the red-tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk ( Buteo lineatus), Cooper's hawk ( Accipiter cooperii), white-tailed kite ( Elanus leucurus), and American kestrel ( Falco sparverius). Historically, though, California condors and bald eagles nested in the recreation area. Today, over 10 raptors reside and breed within the mountains with an additional 2 that can be seen in the mountains during migration. The Santa Monica Mountains supports a large diversity of raptors. In many ecosystems, raptors can be found near the top of the food chain, making them ideal indicators of ecosystem health. Raptors also have great eyesight, but a poor sense of smell. Three physical characteristics set raptors apart from other birds: (1) strong grasping feet with sharp talons used to seize prey, (2) a hooked or hook-tipped beak used to kill and consume prey, and (3) a diet that consists entirely of meat. They can be diurnal (active during the day like hawks, falcons, and eagles) or nocturnal (active during the night like owls). Raptors are commonly known as birds of prey, hunting live meat for food.
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