Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Red-Tailed Hawk photo

Identification

Adult: approximately raven size; sexes similar in coloration patterns; Tail: short, broad with distinct red or rufous colored; Throat: white; Wings, Head and Back: usually dark brown; Underside of Wings: cream with dark brown patagial patch; Upper Breast: usually white or solid light-colored; Eye: brown.

Immature: similar to adult; Head, face, back and upper wings: mottled brown with white showing through; Underside of Wings: grayish with abundant dark spots; Tail: gray brown with 7-9 narrow dark brown bars; Eye: yellow or straw-colored.


Habitat

Generally found near forest and woodlot edge, commonly occurring near agriculture and grassland habitats. Nests: large 20-36" in diameter in deciduous trees; will use snags. Typically observed perched on telephone poles or trees near open fields.

Range

Summer and Winter: present Statewide, but most common in southern 2/3 of Wisconsin.

Red-Tailed Hawk range map

Call

sound file Audio recordings donated by John Feith. Additional bird call recordings available at www.caculo.com/birdsongs



This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use.