Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. However, while they may be a familiar sight soaring overhead in many areas, factors like habitat loss and declining prey populations have caused some red-tail populations to decrease in certain regions. So just how rare or common are these iconic raptors? Here’s a closer look at the red-tailed hawk’s status across its range.
Quick Facts on Red-Tailed Hawks
– Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
– Average length: 19-25 inches
– Wingspan: 48-56 inches
– Average weight: 2-4 pounds
– Identifying features: Brick-red tail feathers (adults), dark patagial bars underwings
– Habitat: Open and semi-open areas, including woodlands, grasslands, deserts, farms, parks
– Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
– Average lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild
Total Population and Geographic Range
The global population of red-tailed hawks is estimated at around 2 million individuals. They have an extremely wide range across North America, breeding in all 48 contiguous states and much of Canada and Mexico. Their breeding range covers around 5.7 million square miles. Red-tails are year-round residents across most of their breeding range in the United States and southern Canada. Northern populations migrate south for the winter.
So in terms of sheer numbers and widespread extent, the red-tailed hawk has a very healthy overall population size and range. But when looking at local and regional populations, the status can vary.
Population Trends by Region
Here’s an overview of red-tailed hawk population trends broken down by region:
Western North America
Populations are generally stable or increasing in most of western North America. In recent decades, numbers have risen in many western states like California, where habitat loss had caused earlier declines.
Southwestern U.S.
Red-tailed hawk populations saw significant declines in parts of the Southwest during the mid 20th century linked to grazing pressure from livestock, widespread use of pesticides like DDT, and drought conditions. With restrictions on certain pesticides and improved habitat management, numbers rebounded from the 1960s-1980s onward. Most southwestern populations are now stable or increasing again.
Midwestern U.S.
Populations are healthy and numbers are steady or growing across most of the Midwest, where red-tailed hawks are common year-round residents. They remain ubiquitous in agricultural areas, suburbs and parks.
Southeastern U.S.
The Southeast has seen more concerning regional declines, including in states like Florida. Conversion of native habitats to residential and agricultural uses has led to dwindling numbers in some areas. Parts of the Southeast have also seen decreases in key prey like snakes and rabbits. More research is needed on populations in this region.
Northeastern U.S.
After population crashes linked to pesticide use and habitat loss during the mid-1900s, red-tailed hawks have rebounded well in most of the Northeast. Numbers across New England, for example, have increased substantially in recent decades as forests regenerated. But there is concern about the ongoing impacts to prey from rodenticides and other pesticides in this region.
Eastern and Central Canada
Populations have been stable in recent decades in most of eastern and central Canada. Good availability of prey like snowshoe hare has likely helped maintain healthy numbers in much of Canada’s boreal forest. More study is needed on populations in Eastern Canada’s more agricultural areas.
Threats and Conservation Concerns
While red-tailed hawks remain common in many areas, there are a number of threats and conservation concerns to monitor:
– **Habitat loss:** Loss of natural habitats like woodlands, wetlands and grasslands to development removes crucial hunting and nesting habitat.
– **Declining prey:** Rodenticides, overgrazing by livestock, disease, and habitat degradation can reduce prey numbers and diversity.
– **Vehicle collisions:** Red-tails are vulnerable to being hit by vehicles when hunting roadside verges.
– **Illegal shooting:** Red-tailed hawks are sometimes illegally shot by people who mistakenly view them as a threat to pets or livestock.
– **Disturbance:** Human activities near nests can lead to nest abandonment.
– **Pollutants:** Buildup of toxic chemicals like rat poisons and lead in tissues may cause health issues. DDT and other pesticides caused significant population crashes until the chemicals were banned.
– **Climate change:** Could affect habitat and prey availability in some regions.
Well-designed conservation programs to protect habitats, reduce pesticide risks, and limit disturbances are important for maintaining healthy populations, especially in more vulnerable regions like the Southeastern U.S.
Legal Protections
The red-tailed hawk is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 in the U.S. and Canada, which prohibits harming or killing hawks along with possession of feathers or body parts without permits. At the state level, red-tailed hawks are designated as protected non-game species by wildlife agencies across the country. These protections have helped populations rebound significantly from unregulated hunting and persecution that occurred prior to the early 20th century.
Rarity Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which assesses the global threat status of species, currently lists the red-tailed hawk as a species of “Least Concern.” So while populations in certain regions require ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts, the red-tail as a species is not considered globally rare or threatened at this time. They are generally one of the most abundant hawks across their widespread range.
Within the U.S., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service includes the red-tailed hawk on the “Blue list” in their periodic assessment of native bird populations. The Blue List covers species that have no immediate conservation concern based on their distribution, population trends and abundance. State wildlife agencies categorize the red-tail as a “Secure” non-game species in most states, indicating healthy, stable populations.
Population Monitoring
There are a number of standardized surveys used to monitor red-tailed hawk populations over time:
– **Breeding Bird Survey:** Conducted annually along thousands of survey routes across North America during the breeding season. Data shows red-tailed hawk numbers increasing significantly from 1966 to 2015 across most regions.
– **Christmas Bird Count:** Conducted each winter by volunteer birdwatchers who tally hawks within set circles. Valuable for tracking wintering hawk numbers over time.
– **Migration Counts:** Hawks counted during spring and fall migration at sites like Hawk Ridge in Minnesota and Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania. Help reveal migration timing and population trends.
– **State Wildlife Surveys:** State wildlife agencies periodically survey breeding bird and raptor populations using standardized methods along transects.
– **Local Surveys:** Some areas like Cape May, NJ have intense standardized hawk counting efforts during migration seasons coordinated by non-profits.
These surveys provide vital data to detect any concerning population changes and to guide conservation efforts for red-tailed hawks. Continued long-term monitoring is important for assessing regional populations.
Summary and Outlook
In summary, while the red-tailed hawk has a secure overall population globally, localized and regional declines have occurred in some areas, especially in the Southeastern U.S. Ongoing habitat loss and threats like vehicle collisions warrant continued monitoring and conservation actions to maintain populations, particularly where numbers are more vulnerable. But the widespread abundance and adaptability of red-tails across much of North America should ensure healthy populations persist into the future with proper management. These iconic raptors will likely continue to be one of the most visible and successful hawks across the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many red-tailed hawks are there in the United States?
There are an estimated 1-1.5 million red-tailed hawks in the contiguous United States based on extrapolations from survey data. They are the most abundant and widespread hawk species in North America.
What states have the most red-tailed hawks?
California, Texas, Montana, Kansas and Florida have some of the largest breeding populations of red-tailed hawks in the U.S. These states provide expansive habitat preferred by red-tails, including grasslands, agricultural areas, wetlands and open woodlands.
What are the biggest threats to red-tailed hawks?
Habitat loss, vehicle collisions, declining prey populations, illegal shooting, disturbance of nest sites, and exposure to pesticides and pollutants are some of the major threats facing red-tailed hawk populations regionally.
Are red-tailed hawk numbers increasing or decreasing?
After declining in parts of their range in the mid-1900s, red-tailed hawk numbers rebounded significantly thanks to protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and restrictions on DDT and other pesticides. Most populations across North America are now stable or increasing. However, some localized declines have occurred in recent decades in areas like Florida and New York.
How can I help conserve red-tailed hawks?
– Avoid disturbing nests, especially during breeding season.
– Support habitat conservation efforts in your community.
– Follow pesticide label instructions carefully and properly dispose of hazardous chemicals.
– Report any harassment or illegal killing of hawks to authorities.
– Volunteer to monitor and count hawks in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the red-tailed hawk remains a common and widespread species across North America, especially in more open habitat types. The overall population is secure, though conservation actions should continue to protect populations in certain regions showing concerning declines. With proper management, these iconic raptors will hopefully continue to thrive for years to come. The majestic sight of a soaring red-tail will likely remain a fixture over fields and highways across much of the continent into the future.