The Red-tailed Hawk is a common bird of prey across North America, recognized by its broad, rounded wings and a distinctive reddish-brown tail in adults. These large raptors typically weigh between 690 to 1,600 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds) and have a wingspan ranging from 110 to 145 centimeters (43 to 57 inches). They inhabit a wide variety of environments, from deserts and grasslands to forests and urban areas, demonstrating remarkable adaptability across the continent.
Red-tailed Hawks and Snakes
Red-tailed Hawks include snakes in their diet, adapting to available prey. They hunt various snake species, including common garter snakes, bullsnakes (gopher snakes), and even venomous rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. While snakes are not their primary food source, their consumption varies regionally and seasonally. In some Caribbean islands, reptiles like snakes and lizards form a significant part of their diet.
Hunting venomous snakes carries inherent risks for the hawk, as they are not immune to snake venom. However, Red-tailed Hawks employ strategies to minimize danger, such as using their wing feathers to distract the snake, prompting it to strike at a non-vulnerable area. Their keen eyesight, quick reflexes, and powerful talons help them subdue snakes, often by crushing the snake’s head. On occasion, a hawk might carry a non-venomous snake high into the air and drop it to stun or kill it before consuming it.
How Red-tailed Hawks Hunt
Red-tailed Hawks primarily hunt by perching on elevated vantage points like tall trees, utility poles, or cliff ledges, allowing them to scan vast areas for prey. From these perches, they spot movement from considerable distances with their exceptional eyesight. Once prey is sighted, the hawk swoops down with precision, often in a controlled dive with legs outstretched.
They also hunt by soaring in wide circles over open fields, using thermal updrafts to conserve energy while scanning the ground below. Their powerful talons are primary tools for capturing and subduing prey. The hooked beak is then used for tearing and consuming the captured meal, often after carrying smaller prey to a safer perch or consuming larger prey on the ground.
A Diverse Diet and Ecological Role
Beyond snakes, Red-tailed Hawks maintain a broad and varied diet, primarily consisting of small mammals such as rodents like mice, voles, and rats, as well as rabbits and squirrels. These small mammals can comprise up to 85-90% of their diet in many regions. They also opportunistically prey on various birds, including doves, starlings, and even larger game birds up to the size of a pheasant. Large insects, amphibians, and even carrion can also supplement their diet, showcasing their adaptability.
As apex predators, Red-tailed Hawks play a role in their ecosystems by helping to control prey populations. By regulating rodent and rabbit numbers, they contribute to maintaining ecological balance, which can also benefit agricultural areas by reducing pest damage. Their widespread distribution means their diet often reflects the most abundant local prey, allowing them to thrive in numerous habitats.