The Red-Shouldered Hawk, or Buteo lineatus, is a medium-sized bird of prey. Adults are readily identifiable by their distinctive reddish-barred chest and a similar russet coloration on the upper wings, which gives the species its common name. The hawk also features a prominent tail banded with black and white stripes. This raptor is primarily associated with forested environments across North America, where its presence is often first revealed by its loud, repeated “kee-aah” call.
Continental Distribution
The range of the Red-Shouldered Hawk is divided into two distinct, non-contiguous segments. The larger Eastern population extends from the southern reaches of Canada, including parts of New Brunswick and Ontario, southward to the Gulf Coast and eastern Mexico. This widespread group covers the area generally east of the Great Plains. A smaller Western population exists primarily along the Pacific Coast. This segment is concentrated in California, particularly west of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and has recently expanded into parts of Oregon and Arizona. The two populations exhibit slight differences in plumage and size, leading to the recognition of five different subspecies across their entire range.
Preferred Habitat Characteristics
Habitat selection is influenced by the presence of water and mature forest structure. These hawks prefer bottomland hardwood stands and flooded deciduous swamps, which provide a consistent, humid environment. They are often found in riparian zones, the forested areas adjacent to streams, rivers, and floodplains. The required habitat must feature a dense, high canopy of tall trees for secure nesting sites and ample cover from larger predators. They also utilize a relatively open subcanopy, which facilitates hunting by allowing them to glide while searching for prey on the forest floor, even in suburban settings like parks and large wooded residential areas.
Residency and Migration Patterns
The seasonal movement of Red-Shouldered Hawks depends on their breeding territory. Southern populations, such as those in coastal California and peninsular Florida, are permanent residents. These sedentary populations only move short distances, usually for foraging purposes. In contrast, the northernmost populations, particularly those breeding in the Northeast and the upper Midwest, are facultative migrants, typically traveling between 300 and 1,500 kilometers south for the winter months. During migration, the hawks often follow geographical leading lines, such as mountain ridges or coastlines, and avoid crossing large bodies of open water.
Nesting and Territory Selection
When establishing a home base for reproduction, the hawks choose a micro-location that provides structure and proximity to resources. The nest is a substantial structure built of sticks, often situated high in the canopy of a large, mature tree, such as an oak, beech, or maple. They typically place the nest in the main crotch of the trunk or a major horizontal limb, often at heights averaging around 15 meters above the ground.
A primary requirement for a breeding territory is a nearby source of permanent water, such as a swamp edge or stream, which is often within the defended boundaries. Mated pairs are highly territorial during the breeding season and will aggressively defend their home range from conspecifics and other raptors. The size of a breeding territory can be quite variable, though they often encompass between 100 and 150 acres of suitable habitat. Pairs frequently reuse the same nest site, refurbishing the existing stick structure with fresh lining materials like bark strips and green sprigs each season.