Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) wildlife photograph

Overview

Red-tailed hawks are broad-winged Buteo hawks of open and semi-open North America, famous for the adult’s rufous-red tail and the classic descending scream used in film soundtracks. They soar on thermals and hunt from poles, snags, and road signs.

For US collectors, the red-tailed hawk is the everyday raptor card — interstate perch, red tail flash, and the most logged large hawk across the Lower 48.

Scientific nameButeo jamaicensis
Length45–65 cm; wingspan 110–145 cm
Weight0.7–1.5 kg
LifespanAround 10–20 years in the wild
DietPrimarily rodents such…
ConservationLeast Concern
RegionNorth American Open Skies

Habitat

Farmland edge
Highway corridor
Desert scrub
Woodland clearing

Open country, farmland, deserts, woodland edges, and cities across the United States wherever perches and small mammal prey are available.

Countries found

Red-tailed Hawk in United States

Field notes

Field scale for the Red-tailed Hawk: length around 45-65 cm; wingspan 110-145 cm; weight 0.7-1.5 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 10-20 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise farmland edge, highway corridor, desert scrub, and woodland clearing. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Large buteo with broad wings; adult red tail is diagnostic from above. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Primarily rodents such as voles and mice, plus rabbits, snakes, and birds.

Drop from soaring flight or roadside perches onto prey.

Behaviour

Soar in wide circles on thermals; perch-hunt along roads and field edges.

Monogamous pairs reuse nests in tall trees, cliffs, or structures.

How to identify

Large buteo with broad wings; adult red tail is diagnostic from above.

Pale breast with a dark belly band common in many light-morph birds.

Interesting facts

01
Adults show a distinctive brick-red upper tail.
02
Famous descending scream often dubbed onto eagle footage.
03
Hunt rodents, rabbits, and other small vertebrates from perches and soars.
04
Highly variable plumage across light and dark morphs.
05
Common along highways on poles and billboards.
06
One of the most widespread hawks in North America.

Conservation status

LC: Least Concern

Red-tailed hawks are Least Concern and abundant across much of North America. They adapted well to farmland and roadsides where rodent prey is plentiful.

Sources: IUCN Red List