There are a few different birds of prey that have distinctive stripes on their tails, but the most well-known is likely the red-tailed hawk. The red-tailed hawk is a common sight across North America and is known for its reddish-brown tail feathers that are banded with dark brown or black stripes. These striking markings give this bird its name and make it easily identifiable in flight. Read on to learn more about the red-tailed hawk and what gives it those iconic tail stripes.
What is a Red-Tailed Hawk?
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a medium to large bird of prey that is ubiquitous across North America. Widespread and abundant, these raptors thrive in a variety of habitats including woodlands, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas. Red-tailed hawks are versatile generalist predators, feeding on a wide range of small animals including rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards, birds, and even insects. They are skilled hunters that can spot prey from high vantage points and swoop down to grab their next meal in their sharp talons.
Red-tailed hawks are stocky, broad-winged raptors with characteristic broad, rounded wings and short, wide tails. As their name suggests, their tails are typically a rich, russet red color. The red tail feathers are in stark contrast to the dark patagial markings on the leading edge of the wings. Red-tailed hawks display considerable variation in plumage. In general, adults have brownish upperparts and pale underparts with a dark belly band. The head is pale with variable brown streaking.
These hawks can measure 18-26 inches (46–66 cm) in length and have a wingspan of 40-57 inches (102–145 cm). Females tend to be larger than males on average. The red tail is a key field mark, but it may not be red in some subspecies or color morphs. Immature red-tailed hawks have brown tails with faint banding and acquire the red tail feathers as they mature over the first two years.
Where Do Red-Tailed Hawks Live?
Red-tailed hawks live across a massive range extending from western Alaska and Canada southwards to Central America and the West Indies. Across this range, several subspecies occur, demonstrating geographic variations in size and color patterns. These adaptable raptors inhabit areas ranging from dense forests to deserts and thrive in urban/suburban settings as well as rural areas.
Some key facts about the habitat and range of red-tailed hawks include:
- They are the most common and widespread hawk in North America.
- Found in a variety of open and semi-open landscapes including forests, grasslands, deserts, and farms.
- Abundant in woodland areas interspersed with open fields for hunting.
- Increasingly common in urban/suburban environments across North America.
- Occur year-round throughout much of the lower 48 United States.
- Some northern populations migrate south for winter.
- Prefer nesting in tall trees including pines, oaks, eucalyptus, and others.
The adaptability and varied habitat preferences of red-tailed hawks allow them to thrive across an expansive range even in the face of human landscape changes and urbanization. Their populations remain robust throughout most of the United States and Canada.
What Causes the Red Tail?
So what gives red-tailed hawks their namesake red tails? The vibrant, brick-red color comes from pigments called carotenoids that are deposited in the feathers. These natural pigments are acquired through the hawk’s diet as they cannot synthesize carotenoids internally.
The main sources of carotenoids for red-tails are:
- Plants
- Insects
- Small birds and mammals
Many of the hawk’s common prey items, including rodents and rabbits, contain carotenoid deposits that accumulate in the raptor’s tissues over time. As feathers are grown, the pigments are incorporated into the structure of the feathers, especially the tail.
The distinctive red tail coloration is thought to play an important role in communication and signaling for red-tailed hawks. The bright, contrasting tail can help hawks in flight identification as well as territorial displays to conspecifics. Researchers believe the red tail may signal health, fitness, and social status between birds.
The brilliant red tails are usually acquired by the time the hawk reaches adulthood at 1-2 years old. However, diet and availability of carotenoids may impact the intensity of redness. Some color morphs or subspecies of red-tails may have more muted orange or brown hues in the tail.
Tail Markings and Patterns
The red tail feathers of these raptors are not simply a solid red color. They have distinctive stripes and bars that create a bold pattern. If you look closely at a perched red-tail, you will notice:
- Around a dozen reddish-brown tail feathers forming the fanned tail.
- Broad darker bars of black or dark brown spanning the feathers.
- Narrower lighter bars between the broader bands.
- Light colored tips at the ends of the longest feathers.
This precise banding pattern results from the way pigments are deposited during feather growth. The alternating pigmented and unpigmented bars help strengthen the feathers and protect them from wear and tear.
When the tail is fanned during flight, the contrast makes the tail more visible. The bars help differentiate the tails of red-tailed hawks from other broad-winged raptors like ferruginous hawks or rough-legged hawks that may overlap in range.
Red-Tailed Hawk Tail Variations
While redtails are best known for their namesake brick red tails, there is some variation in the darkness and intensity of color between birds. Here are some of the factors that influence tail color:
- Age – Younger redtails have paler, browner tails that darken to red as they mature.
- Diet – Access to carotenoid pigments affects color intensity.
- Geography – Different subspecies show variation in tail shades.
- Melanistic forms – Some redtails are very dark with little red.
The western subspecies Buteo jamaicensis calurus tend to have the brightest red tail feathers ranging from vivid orange to rusty red. The palest tails occur in some desert southwest birds that may even look light yellow or orange rather than red.
Albino or partially albino redtails also occur from time to time. Without pigments, the tails on these rare birds remain white or piebald throughout their lives.
Importance of the Red Tail
The red tails of these common raptors play an important role in their ecology and behavior. Here’s a summary of why the red tail matters:
- Aids in identification of both perched and flying birds.
- Helps differentiate redtails from similarly sized raptors.
- Signals health status between birds.
- Assists with territorial displays.
- Enhances pursuit deterrence by exaggerating size.
- Makes the hawk more visible to mates and competitors.
Without their distinctive red markings, these birds would lack a key characteristic that makes them easy to recognize across North America’s skies. The red tail has become an iconic symbol of a fierce and successful avian predator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the red-tailed hawk get its name?
The red-tailed hawk gets its common name from the reddish-brown coloration of its tail feathers beginning in adulthood. The brick-red tail provides a distinctive identification marker for this widespread North American species.
Why are red-tailed hawks important?
Red-tailed hawks are ecologically important predators that help control rodent and other small animal populations. They are also culturally significant birds that are used as mascots and symbols across North America. Their adaptability allows them to thrive across diverse habitats.
How old do red-tailed hawks live?
In the wild, red-tailed hawks typically live 10-15 years. The oldest known wild red-tail was at least 28 years old. In captivity, some have lived over 30 years.
What eats red-tailed hawks?
As adults, red-tailed hawks are apex predators with very few natural enemies. However, great horned owls may opportunistically prey on red-tail nestlings. Certain larger raptors like eagles or ferruginous hawks may attack red-tails on rare occasions.
Why do red-tailed hawks screech?
Red-tailed hawks make raspy, high-pitched screeching noises for a few reasons. Screeches help communicate with mates and declare territories. Alarm screeches warn others of danger. And hunger screeches let parents know it’s time to deliver food.
Comparison with Similar Species
While the red tail makes identification straightforward most of the time, some other raptors share similar markings that may cause confusion:
Ferruginous Hawk
Like the red-tail, ferruginous hawks are large, broad-winged raptors. However, ferruginous hawks have paler body plumage and their tail banding is not as crisp and vivid as in redtails.
Harlan’s Hawk
Harlan’s hawks are a color variant of the red-tailed hawk found in Alaska and western Canada. Their tails can appear mottled reddish-brown rather than clean, vivid bands.
Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged hawks have broad, banded tails similar in shape to a redtail’s. However, rough-legged tails are not red – they are instead white with black bands.
Barn Owl
A confusion species at first glance, barn owls have long, feathered legs unlike redtails. Barn owl tail feathers are also more evenly marked with tawny buff color rather than red.
Red-shouldered Hawk
While not as aptly named, the red-shouldered hawk lacks the deep red tail of redtails. Their tail has narrower brownish bands.
Spotting Red-Tailed Hawks
Red-tailed hawks are a common sight across much of North America, but it takes a sharp eye to spot one on a low perch or soaring high in the skies. Here are some tips for locating redtails in the field:
- Scan treetops and telephone poles for perched birds in open country.
- Check fence posts and poles in fields – a favorite hunting perch.
- Look for broad-winged raptors soaring in wide circles.
- Watch for the characteristic red tail as hawks fly overhead.
- Listen for loud, raspy calls to reveal a hawk’s presence.
- Drive along rural roads and watch for circling over grassy areas.
- Note prey remains like small animal fur and feathers under nests.
With practice, the unique silhouette and reddish tail bands make perched or flying redtails easily recognizable. Observing redtails going about their daily routines reveals fascinating hawk behaviors.
Legendary Status
The red-tailed hawk holds a special place in North American culture and imagination. Images of the hawk represent strength, power, freedom, and vision. This iconic raptor has achieved legendary status as a symbol of the wild for Native American tribes. The redtail also features prominently as a national emblem and in art, films, stamps, sports mascots, and more.
Some key ways red-tailed hawks have achieved cultural legendary status include:
- Native American reverence – Seen as spiritual messengers and symbols of courage.
- National bird of Jamaica – Appears on the Jamaican coat of arms.
- United States Postal Service – Featured on a famous stamp series.
- Universities – A mascot for dozens of college and school sports teams.
- Films – Movie appearances include Rescuers Down Under.
- Literature – Appears in books like To Kill a Mockingbird.
Very few birds achieve the legendary notoriety of the red-tailed hawk. Sightings of redtails continue to inspire awe in birders and nature enthusiasts across North America.
Conservation Status
Due to their large and growing populations across expansive ranges, red-tailed hawks are categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Population trends increased by an estimated 54% between 1970-2014 according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
These hawks adapt readily to human presence and urbanization. Their ability to thrive around people helps protect their populations. Threats are limited and include:
- Habitat loss
- Vehicle collisions
- Electrocution on powerlines
- Poisoning from pesticides or lead
While local threats exist, red-tailed hawks are in no danger of extinction. Responsible rodent control, lead ammunition regulations, and public awareness help safeguard redtail populations for the future.
Conclusion
With its rich, red-brown tail feathers decorated with neat black bars, the red-tailed hawk stands out as one of the most easily identifiable raptors across the United States and beyond. These common hawks play an important ecological role and have achieved an iconic symbolic status across North American cultures. The red tail is integral to these birds’ lives, helping them communicate and survive. No matter how many more spread their wings each year, a glimpse of a proud redtail will always draw fascination and awe.