18 ATTACHMENT 10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Vocalization The Red-tailed Hawk has hoarse and rasping 2- to 3-econd scream that is most commonly heard while soaring. They are loudest when defending their prey. When parents leave the nest, the young utter a loud wailing "klee-uk," repeated several times -this is a food cry. Tail The Red-tailed Hawk has a broad, rounded tail that shows a rich, russet red. Eyes The eyesight of a hawk is eight times as powerful as a human's. Behavior The Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread and familiar member of the American Buteos (large soaring hawks). They nest in the month of March in tall tress. Like all other Buteos, it does not fly fast but soars at high altitudes using its keen eyesight to spot the slightest movement in the grass below. It is an aggressive bird and vigorously defends its territory, especially during the winter months when hunting is d ifficu It Habitat The Red-tailed Hawk is usually found in grasslands or marsh- shrub habitats, but is very adaptable bird, being equally at home in deserts and forests, and at varying heights above sea level. Food & Hunting The Red-tailed Hawk is a most opportunistic hunter. Its diet is varied, but there is conclusive evidence now that 85 to 90 % is composed of small rodents, with rabbits, snakes and lizards included. Where there are large numbers of pheasant, these become the food of choice in spring and summer. Like all hawks, its talons are its main weapons. Breeding Mating and nest building begin in early spring, usually in March and continue through May. This is accompanied by spectacular aerial displays by both males and females. Circling and soaring to great heights, they fold their wings and plummet to treetop level, repeating this display as much as five or six times. Nests are located from 35 to 75 feet high in the forks of large trees. The nest is large, flat, shallow and made of sticks and twigs about 1/2 inch in diameter. Both males and females assist in nest construction. Nest sites may be used from year to year, since there is strong evidence that hawks mate for life. If the old nest is wind damaged, layers of new nesting material are added each year.