The Red-shouldered Hawk is a beautiful bird of prey that can be found in North America. With its distinctive red shoulder feathers and piercing eyes, it’s hard to miss this majestic predator when it takes to the skies.
Basic Description
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around 3 feet. Adults have dark brown backs and pale underparts streaked with reddish-brown bars. As their name suggests, they also have rust-colored shoulders that are visible in flight. Their tails are banded with black and white stripes, which helps distinguish them from other hawks.
Where To Find This Bird
Red-shouldered Hawks can be found throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada down to Mexico. They prefer wooded areas near water sources like rivers or swamps but can also be spotted in suburban parks or even along highways where there are plenty of trees for perching.
Habitat
These birds generally prefer mature forests with tall trees for nesting and hunting from high vantage points. In urban areas, they may use taller buildings as substitutes for natural trees.
Food
Red-shouldered Hawks are opportunistic hunters that feed on small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, mice, and voles as well as reptiles such as snakes and lizards. They will also eat birds up to the size of pigeons.
Cool Facts
One interesting fact about these hawks is that they practice monogamy during breeding season – pairs mate for life unless one dies prematurely or fails to return after migration.
Another cool fact is that Red-shouldered Hawks have been known to cache their food by hiding it under leaves or bark until later consumption.
Finally, these birds possess an incredible ability known as “kiting,” which involves hovering in one place facing into the wind to stay suspended for longer periods than flapping their wings would allow. This allows them to conserve energy while hunting.
In conclusion, the Red-shouldered Hawk is a fascinating and beautiful bird of prey that can be found throughout North America. With its rust-colored shoulders and impressive aerial abilities, it’s sure to capture your attention next time you spot one soaring overhead.
