Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
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.
Call
Audio recordings donated by John Feith.
Additional bird call recordings available at www.caculo.com/birdsongs
