red+tailed+hawks

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey, one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the "chickenhawk," though it rarely preys on standard sized chickens.[2] It breeds throughout most of North America, from western Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies, and is one of the most common buteos in North America. Red-tailed Hawks can acclimate to all the biomes within its range. There are fourteen recognized subspecies, which vary in appearance and range. It is one of the largest members of the genus Buteo in North America, typically weighing from 690 to 1600 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds) and measuring 45–65 cm (18 to 26 in) in length, with a wingspan from 110 to 145 cm (43 to 57 in). The Red-tailed Hawk displays sexual dimorphism in size, with females averaging about 25% heavier than males[citation needed]. The Harlan's Hawk (B. j. harlani), often considered a separate species, is treated below in the Taxonomy section. The Red-tailed Hawk occupies a wide range of habitats and altitudes, including deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, agricultural fields and urban areas. It lives throughout the North American continent, except in areas of unbroken forest or the high arctic. It is legally protected in Canada, Mexico and the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Because they are so common and easily trained as capable hunters, the majority of hawks captured for falconry in the United States are Red-tails. Falconers are permitted to take only passage hawks (which have left the nest, are on their own, but are less than a year old) so as to not affect the breeding population. Adults, which may be breeding or rearing chicks, may not be taken for falconry purposes and it is illegal to do so. Passage red-tailed hawks are also preferred by falconers because these younger birds have not yet developed adult behaviors, which can make training substantially more challenging. Contents [hide] A male Red-Tailed Hawk may weigh from 690 to 1300 g (1.5 to 2.9 lb) and measure 45–56 cm (18 to 22 in), while a female can weigh between 900 and 2000 g (2 and 4.4 lb) and measure 48 to 65 cm (19 to 26 in) long; wingspan is about 114 to 133 cm (45 to 52 in). As is the case with many raptors the Red-tailed Hawk displays sexual dimorphism in size, as females are up to 25% larger than males.[3] Red-tailed Hawk plumage can be variable, depending on the subspecies and the region. These color variations are morphs, and are not related to molting. The western North American population, B. j. calurus, is the most variable subspecies and has three color morphs: light, dark, and intermediate or rufus. The dark and intermediate morphs constitute 10–20% of the population.[4] Though the markings and hue vary, the basic appearance of the Red-tailed Hawk is consistent. The underbelly is lighter than the back and a dark brown band across the belly, formed by horizontal streaks in feather patterning, is present in most color variations. The red tail, which gives this species its name, is uniformly brick-red above and pink below.[5] The bill is short and dark, in the hooked shape characteristic of raptors.They have short,broad tails and thick,chunky wings.[5] The cere, the legs, and the feet of the Red-tailed Hawk are all yellow.[3] Immature birds can be readily identified at close range by their yellowish irises. As the bird attains full maturity over the course of 3–4 years, the iris slowly darkens into a reddish-brown hue. In both the light and dark morphs, the tail of the immature Red-tailed Hawk are patterned with numerous darker bars.[5] [edit] Taxonomy. The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widely distributed hawks in the [|Americas]. It breeds from central [|Alaska], the [|Yukon], and the [|Northwest Territories] east to southern [|Quebec] and the [|Maritime Provinces] of [|Canada], and south to [|Florida], the [|West Indies], and [|Central America]. The winter range stretches from southern Canada south throughout the remainder of the breeding range.[|[][|7][|]] Its preferred habitat is mixed forest and field, with high bluffs or trees that may be used as perch sites. It occupies a wide range of [|habitats] and [|altitudes], including deserts, grasslands, coastal regions, mountains, foothills of mountains [|coniferous] and [|deciduous] woodlands, [|tropical rainforests], [|agricultural fields] and [|urban areas].[|[][|1][|]] It is second only to the [|Peregrine Falcon] in the use of diverse habitats in North America.[|[][|9][|]] It lives throughout the North American continent, except in areas of unbroken forest or the high Arctic.[|[][|4][|]] The Red-tailed Hawk is widespread in North America,[|[][|9][|]] partially due to historic settlement patterns, which have benefited it. The clearing of forests in the Northeast created hunting areas, while the preservation of [|woodlots] left nest sites. The planting of trees in the west allowed the Red-tailed Hawk to expand its range by creating nest sites where there had been none. The construction of highways with [|utility poles] alongside treeless medians provided perfect habitat for perch-hunting. The Red-tailed Hawk can also be found in cities.[|[][|10][|]].
 * __ HOW DO THEY HUNT? __ Red-tailed hawks are active fliers. This means they flap a lot, and hardly ever soar. When they see a mouse, they dive straight down (at up to 120 mph) to catch it with sharp talons (claws). They also hunt by sitting on a fence or dead tree and watching for prey. Then they pounce on it! Red-tailed hawks will eat any animal that is raccoon-sized or smaller, even pets. 85% of their diet is made up of mammals, like mice, squirrels, and rabbits. The rest is small birds, snakes, frogs, fish, and grasshoppers. (Bald eagles and ospreys eat mostly fish.) Sometimes, red-tailed hawks are attracted to forest fires. Small animals run from the fire, and the hawks swoop down to catch a quick dinner. **