The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and iconic birds of prey in North America. With its piercing eyes, broad wings, and distinctive reddish tail, this powerful raptor commands both sky and symbol, often seen soaring over open fields or perched vigilantly on telephone poles. Its presence in folklore, media, and ecological systems makes it a truly fascinating bird to explore in depth.
Physical Description
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large buteo, or broad-winged hawk, with an average length of 18 to 26 inches and a wingspan ranging from 3.5 to 4.8 feet. Adults typically weigh between 1.5 and 3.5 pou, with females generally larger than males, a common trait in raptors.