Predatory Behavior of the RedTailed Hawk

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Predatory Behavior of the Red-Tailed Hawk

• EcologyTietjen
• Joe Stinnett Jeremy Englert
• Tony Carman

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A Nice Day for Hunting Rabbits
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• Class Aves
• Order Falconiformes
• Family Accipitridae
• Genus species Buteo jamaicensis
• Common Name Red-Tailed Hawk

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Basic Information

• The red-tailed hawk is a member of a group of
  birds called raptors
• In latin, the term for raptor means to seize
• They are birds of prey

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Identifying Characteristics of Females

• Females are between 20-25 inches in length
• Females have a wingspread up to 54 inches
• Females weigh between 2 to 3 and 1/2 pounds

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Identifying Characteristics of Males

• Males are between 18 and 23 inches in length
• Males have a wingspread up to 45 inches
• Males weigh between 1 and 1/2 to 2 and 1/2 pounds

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Wingspan
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Coloration of Adults

• Dark brown on the back and top of wings
• Underside of bird is light with dark belly band
• A cinnamon wash on the neck and chest
• Uniformly reddish colored tail

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Adult Coloration
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Adult Coloration
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Coloration of Juvenile

• Immature birds resemble the adults with the
  exception that their tail is brown with dark bars
• Reddish color molts in during the second year

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Juvenile Coloration
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Range

• From tundra to semi-desert areas
• Extends from central Alaska through Canada and
  across the entire U.S., south through Mexico and
  into Central America.

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Range
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Habitat

• Open fields near woodland seclusion for nesting
  and plenty of small animals
• Most common in deciduous and mixed forests,
  interspersed with pastures, fields, meadows,
  bogs, and clearcuts
• Can also be found in open country, prairie
  groves, mountains, plains, and even along
  roadsides

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Habitat
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Nesting

• Do not begin breeding until third year
• Pairs build large stick nest near top of tree,
  usually deciduous or white pines
• 2-4 eggs are usually laid in April or May, and
  hatch in about 30 days
• Young remain in nest until they can fly, then
  follow parents until they can hunt and forage for
  themselves

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Social Structure

• Solitary
• Monogamous
• Permanent pair bonds

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Feeding Habits

• Feed on a wide variety of prey including
  everything from small mice to rabbits and hares
• Will also feed on medium sized birds and reptiles
  such as lizards and snakes

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Hunting Characterisics

• Possess acute vision which enables them to spot
  food at a great distance
• Soars in wide circles from 20 to 40 mph and drops
  upon its prey in a steep dive reaching speeds up
  to 120 mph
• Curved beak to easily tear flesh, and large
  talons for grasping prey

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Hunting Characteristics
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Hunting Characteristics
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Hunting Clip
Click Image to View Movie
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Curved Beak
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Conclusion

• Red-tailed hawk is a powerful, husky hawk, its
  loud, defiant scream and frequent soaring are
  familiar
• Its aggressiveness and adaptability have made it
  the most numerous and successful bird of prey in
  North America

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Beware of the Falconer Gone Mad