The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey, 1 of 3 species colloquially known in the United States as the "chickenhawk," though it rarely preys on standard sized chickens. 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 their range. There are 14 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 1,600 g (1.5 to 3.5 lb) and measuring 45–65 cm (18–26 in) in length, with a wingspan from 110–145 cm (43–57 in). The red-tailed hawk displays sexual dimorphism in size, with females averaging about 25% heavier than males. The bird is sometimes referred to as the red-tail for short, when the meaning is clear in context.
The subspecies Harlan's hawk (B. j. harlani) is sometimes considered a separate species.
The red-tailed hawk occupies a wide range of habitats and altitudes, including deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, 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 the adult behaviors which would make them more difficult to train.
Appearances[]
Red-tailed hawks first appeared in "Eye Spy" At the end of her message, Jackie saw Ripley chase several birds like house sparrows, but told the readers not to worry and that birds are always on the lookout. She then compliments on how those birds see before asking Chris and Martin what other birds have amazing eyesight. After reading the message, Martin says that there are so many birds with phenomenal eyes, and Chris adds that 1 with really amazing eyesight is: (both Kratts looked at each other said it together) the red-tailed hawk. Zoboomafoo said "bird eyes" and agreed. Chris says that they should go on a high-flying hawk-seeing adventure, Martin says it's time to go to the closet, and Zoboomafoo says that it sounds like a trip to him.
Another red-tailed hawk appeared in "Who's in the Hole?".