Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
LCLeast Concern
- Length
- 45–65 cm
- Family
- Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks (Accipitridae)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
Overview
A full account of this species is being written.
Diet: Rodents, rabbits, snakes and birds.
How to identify it
- Brick-red tail on adults
- Dark belly band across pale underparts
- Dark bar on the leading edge of the underwing
Voice
Hoarse, screaming 'kee-eeeer'.
Where to see it
- Roadsides and open country across North America
Range and habitat
Sources and further reading
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
