Red-tailed Hawks

There are many places to hide in Arizona's desert landscapes, but the Red-tailed Hawks know most of them.

Gliding overhead with the 'eyes of a hawk,' a redtail scans for prey.

Mice, rats, rabbits and squirrels are typical mammal prey, but medium sized birds like pheasants, starlings, blackbirds and bobwhite are fair game, too.

When seen circling in the sky, most people can recognize a hawk and it's more than likely to be a Red-tailed Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawks comes in a variety of colors and feather patterns. Their stocky appearance and broad wings help you identify redtails on sight.

Light and dark morphs of Red-tailed Hawks are common, but that makes identifications even more difficult.

A relatively short tail is a good indicator if the red is not visible.

For a large stocky bird, the female Red-tailed Hawk weighs less than three pounds.

Red-tailed Hawks are common and widespread throughout North America. They take advantage of tall manmade and natural perches for hunting.

From towering desert saguaros to utility poles along the highway, the Red-tailed Hawk is comfortable and content with hunting in plain sight.

Allan

Credits:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
The Sibley's Guide to Birds