Red-Tailed Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Aphelocoma
Species: Aphelocoma californica
While the Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in North America, it is not the most common Hawk at Regents. That title goes to the Red-shouldered Hawk which is often confused with the Red-tailed Hawk. They are differentiated since the Red-tailed Hawk is lighter below, has less-distinct barring on its wings, and lacks checkerboard barring on its tail, but instead has rusty red feathers. The Red-tailed Hawk can be seen soaring high in the sky or roosting on street lights, fence posts, or trees. It has an iconic, shrill cry that has been used as a sound effect for movies whenever an eagle or hawk appears, regardless of the species. It is one of the largest birds in North America, and the oldest Red-tailed Hawk recorded was at least 30 years of age. It is very territorial, especially when nesting, and mated pairs stay together until one in the pair dies.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Blue head, wings, and tail with a gray-brown back and white eyebrows; streaked upper chest
Length: 11-12 inches
Wingspan: 15-16 inches
Diet: Includes insects, fruits, nuts, and small animals such as lizards and nestling birds
Habitat: Open woodlands in Hill Country
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell lab of Ornithology
