Red-Tailed Hawk (juvenile)

The Red-tail is one of the the largest hawks, usually weighing between 2 and 4 pounds. As with most raptors, the female is nearly 1/3 larger than the male and may have a wing span of 56 inches. This species shows a great deal of individual variation in plumage. The adult has a rufous-colored tail that may or may not have a black terminal bar. Adults are dark brown on the back and the top of their wings. The underside of the bird is usually light with a dark belly band, and a cinnamon wash on the neck and chest. . Immatures resemble the adults except their tail is brown with dark bars; the red- tail molts in during its second year. The Red-tailed Hawk has hoarse and rasping 2- to 3-second scream that is most commonly heard while soaring. Most commonly reported prey types include mice, voles, chipmunks, ground squirrels, tree squirrels and woodchucks. Additional prey include rabbits, shrews, bats, snakes, waterfowl, fish, crustaceans and insects.