Introduction:
Red-tailed hawks are majestic predators found across much of North America. As raptors, these hawk species play an integral role in the lives of humans, other animals, and local ecosystems. Whether they’re soaring high in the sky or perched atop power poles, these birds of prey create a vibrant presence in their local habitat. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most interesting facts about red-tailed hawks.
Fact 1: Red-Tailed Hawks Can Live for Up to 20 Years
Most red-tailed hawks live a relatively long life when compared to other wild birds. These birds can live up to 20 years in the wild, although their average lifespan is usually much shorter. The oldest known red-tailed hawk, aptly named “Rocky”, passed away at over 30 years of age after living a full life in and around Washington state.
Fact 2: They’re Very Common
Though their populations have declined in recent decades, red-tailed hawks are nonetheless the most widely-spread hawk species in the United States. As a result, many people are familiar with seeing these charming raptors flocking in their local environment.
Fact 3: Red-Tailed Hawks Can Fly at Speeds of Up to 150 Miles Per Hour
The red-tailed hawk’s wings are built for speed. These birds of prey can fly up to 150 miles per hour while swooping and diving after small prey. While they’re typically leisurely gliding through the sky, they’re also capable of moving extremely quickly, thanks to their flying skills.
Fact 4: They’re Adaptable and Cunning Predators
Unlike other birds of prey, the red-tailed hawk can adapt remarkably well to different conditions. Although they mainly dine on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, these raptors can also successfully hunt invertebrates like insects. They also adjust their hunting tactics depending on which prey is most abundant in the area.
Fact 5: Some Red-Tailed Hawks Live Near People
Like other raptors, red-tailed hawks can be seen living near urban areas. These birds won’t hesitate to take advantage of new food sources in more urbanized environments, preferring to hunt raptors in fields and forests when available.
Fact 6: They Prefer Open-Woodland Habitats
Red-tailed hawks prefer open-woodland ecosystems, including meadows, pastures, and farm areas. They especially like the edges of forests, where they can easily track progress on their prey from the treetops. With their keen sight and hovering abilities, they can track small prey from a high vantage point, then dive down to catch them.
Fact 7: Some Red-Tailed Hawks Prefer to Hunt during the Day
Although red-tailed hawks usually hunt during twilight and dusk, some individuals are more active during daytime hours. This variability among species helps to provide a better chance of survival, as their prey is more abundant during the day.
Fact 8: They Have Complex Social Lives
Though they may seem solitary, red-tailed hawks actually have complex social lives. They form bonds with other members of their species, as well as other birds of prey. Their social activities involve everything from courtship rituals to sharing mating territories.
Fact 9: They Can Grow to Over 2 Feet in Length
The red-tailed hawk can grow quite large in comparison to other birds of prey. Adult birds typically measure about 24 inches in length, including their tail, wingspan, and body length.
Fact 10: Their Plumage is Unique to Each Bird
Though all red-tailed hawks have a distinctive red tail, the coloring of each bird’s plumage is unique. They primarily have white, tan, and brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage when they’re hunting.
Fact 11: Red-Tailed Hawks are Monogamous
At least one study has suggested that red-tailed hawks are generally monogamous. As devoted mates, the pair will typically remain together during the breeding season and will share the responsibility of raising young.
Fact 12: They Rely on the Thermals to Easily Move Around
The red-tailed hawk makes use of the thermals to move around quickly and effortlessly. Thermals are updrafts of warm air that carry these birds up into the sky. As a result, they can efficiently migrate across large areas without expending too much energy.
Fact 13: Red-Tailed Hawks Will Eat Roadkill
Though red-tailed hawks usually hunt small prey, they will occasionally eat roadkill. This includes animals that have been killed on the side of the road by car accidents.
Fact 14: Red-Tailed Hawks Have Adept Hunting Strategies
These birds use an ingenious hunting strategy called “kiting.” By gliding just above their prey, they can obscure their prey’s field of vision and drop on them unexpectedly. This strategy works better than a direct attack, as it gives the hawk the element of surprise.
Fact 15: Red-Tailed Hawks Have Great Vision
Red-tailed hawks have vision that’s 8 times sharper than the vision of a human being. This allows them to spot prey from afar, as well as survey their local environment without missing important details.
Conclusion
The red-tailed hawk is an incredible species with an array of interesting facts. From their social lives to their hunting techniques, these birds never fail to surprise and fascinate. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about 15 of the most interesting facts about red-tailed hawks.
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