Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a large bird of prey found throughout North America. It has a distinctive red-brown tail that contrasts with its dark brown body and wings. The head is often lighter in color with a characteristic dark stripe through the eyes. Red-tailed Hawks have a sharp, hooked beak and powerful talons that they use to catch and eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters and can often be seen perched on telephone poles or soaring high in the sky. Red-tailed Hawks are common and widespread, and they can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and suburban areas. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a high-pitched screech and a descending scream. Red-tailed Hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit.