Name of Bird:
Red Tailed Hawk

Species:
Buteo Jamaicensis.

Physical Characteristics:
The Red Tailed Hawk is about 19 - 25 inches in length and has a wingspan of 46 - 58 inches. The female weighs exactly 3 - 4 lbs., the male only 2.5 lbs. The adult red tail is covered in dark brown except for the tail,which is an a array of beautiful red feathers. Juveniles ( less than 2 years old) have brown tails. Like other birds of prey it has a hooked beak and sharp talons to help them in hunting.


Habitat Description:
The red tailed hawk North and Central America, as far South of the Caribbean. Northern residents migrate south for the winter where food sources are not effected by the cold, but some stay behind during hot seasons. Red tails are the most common hawk in Kern County and are seen throughout the years, especially in cultivated areas.

Diet:
The Red Tailed Hawk is a searching raptor who perches on the sides of the roads or on grassy areas waiting to see its prey or forages in circling, soaring flight, riding thermal updrafts like a sailplane. It prefers to small diurnal mammals , such as field mice, chipmunks,squirrels and other rodents but will take snakes, lizards, and even other birds. The Red tailed hawk usually nests in taller trees where he has a wide view of his territory.