Introduction

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widespread and commonly observed birds of prey in North America. It occupies a broad range of habitats from central Alaska south to Panama and east to the Virgin Islands. Breeding behavior, summer food habits, and habitat use have been well documented in many of these regions, but the taxonomic status of some populations remains unclear. The species is highly variable across its range, and up to 16 subspecies are recognized by various authorities. Races are usually distinguished by ventral coloration, tail markings, and/or size, but there is no clear geographic trend in any of these characters. Some populations are polymorphic in ventral coloration, ranging from nearly white to nearly black, and extensive intergradation among adjacent subspecies complicates taxonomic relationships.

Generally monogamous, this species initiates courtship and maintains the pair bond with spectacular aerial maneuvers performed by both members of a pair. The acrobatics are often accompanied by sharp, shrill cries by one or both mates and courtship feeding by the male. Throughout its range, the Red-tailed Hawk inhabits open areas interspersed with patches of trees or structurally similar features. It is primarily a sit-and-wait predator and generally requires elevated perch sites for hunting. Its diet includes a wide variety of small to medium sized mammals, birds, and snakes, with occasional insects and fresh carrion. Populations are increasing in much of North America, apparently in response to the widespread establishment of open, wooded parkland in place of grassland or dense forest.