Red-tailed Hawk — Species Information

Species common name
Red-tailed Hawk
Latin name
Buteo jamaicensis
Order, family
Falconiformes, Accipitridae
Range, habitat
Entire continent of N. America, down into Central America. Rural, suburban, urban, agricultural, etc.
Weight
690-1460 g
Wingspan
114-140
Length
27-47 cm
Lifespan
6-10 wild, 25-35 captivity.
Clutch, nest
1-5. Nest is built in nearly any tall structure; trees, saguaros, light poles, telephone poles, buildings, etc.
Predators
Great horned owl, golden eagle, coyote, bobcat.
Prey
Various small/medium mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Red-tailed Hawk by Lance Wilson
Red-tailed Hawk - © Lance Wilson

Red-tail Hawks are one of the most commonly seen raptors in North America, they are also the most commonly heard raptor as well. In every commercial, tv show, or movie, the scream used as a sound effect is the scream of a red-tailed hawk - regardless of the bird being shown on the screen.