ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

red-tailed hawk

The red-tailed hawk is classified as a buteo -- a hawk that spends much of its time soaring and has broad wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. It is a large hawk frequently seen in Ohio. It has not suffered the severe population declines caused by DDT and other pesticides that have struck other species. These birds are extemely beneficial and it is illegal to kill them.

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Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: spring

• Incubation: 28-35 days

• Clutch Size: 2-3 eggs

• Young Fledge: 42-46 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: small rodents, reptiles, and birds

Description
This large, majestic bird has a brown back and white breast. The tail of the adult is a brick-red color, hence the name. A good field mark is the band of dark stripes across the breast. Much variation is found in the coloration of this bird. Immature red-tailed hawks are brown-and-white striped.

Habitat and Habits
This hawk is a fairly common permanent resident. It inhabits woodlands, fields, plains, and deserts. The diet is quite variable, but consists mostly of mice, insects, and some other small mammals, as well as carrion. Their typical call is a loud descending scream.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
These birds hunt in open country, but build a large nest of sticks high in the fork of a tall tree, often in the woods. The nest will contain two to three brown-spotted white eggs.