> The red-tailed hawk was often used in the ancient sport of falconry, practiced primarily by the rich nobility. In England, a close relative is known as the “Common Buzzard.” > The term “Buzzard,” generally applied to Vultures, really applies to the redtailed’s family of Buteos, or soaring hawks. > The red-tailed hawk is capable of “kiting,” holding still against the wind on set wings, much like a kite tugging against string. > The hawk’s average life span in the wild is 20 years. During the last 10 days or so the young, which now appear as large as the parent birds, practice flapping their wings and balancing in the wind on the edge of the nest, preparing for the day when they will launch themselves into the air. They remain in the nest for up to 48 days. They grow slowly and require much food, which keeps both parents busy. > When hatched, the young are covered with white down. > When parents leave the nest, the young utter a loud wailing “klee-uk,” repeated several times – this is a food cry. Both males and females assist in nest construction. The nest is large, flat, shallow and made of sticks and twigs about 1/2 inch in diameter. > Nests are located from 35 to 75 feet high in the forks of large trees. > 85 -90% of the red-tailed hawk’s diet is composed of small rodents. They are loudest when defending their nest.
> The Red-tailed Hawk has hoarse and rasping 2- to 3-second scream that is most commonly heard while soaring. > Like all hawks, the red-tailed hawk’s talons are its main weapons. > The eyesight of a hawk is 8 times as powerful as a human’s.
> This species shows a great deal of individual variation in plumage. As with most raptors, the female is nearly 1/3 larger than the male and may have a wingspan of 56 inches. > The red-tail is the largest hawk, usually weighing between 2 and 4 pounds. 13 Interesting Facts About Red-Tailed Hawks
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