Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin & JF 1788)

The Red-tailed Hawk 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 (All About Birds). 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 (Preston and Beane 1993).

A large (19-25 inches) hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk is most easily identified by its dark brown back, pale underparts, and rusty-red tail visible from above or below. In some parts of this species’ range, exceptionally light or dark subspecies occur, having more or less pigment in the back, breast, and tail than the nominative subspecies. Male and female Red-tailed Hawks are similarly-plumaged in all seasons; however, like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. The Red-tailed Hawk breeds from Alaska and northern Canada south through the United States, the West Indies, Mexico, and parts of Central America. In winter, northerly-breeding populations migrate south to the southern half of the U.S. Southerly-breeding populations migrate short distances, if at all. Red-tailed Hawks are birds of semi-open country. This species inhabits open woodland, shrubby fields, and even urban areas where food is plentiful. Red-tailed Hawks primarily eat small mammals, including lemmings, mice, and voles, but may eat small birds and reptiles when the opportunity presents itself. Red-tailed Hawks are most easily seen soaring over open habitat while scanning the ground for prey, dropping down to capture it with their talons. With the aid of binoculars, it may also be possible to see individual Red-tailed Hawks perching in trees or tall posts near their hunting grounds. This species is primarily active during the day.