Buteo jamaicensis
Bird
North America
Carnivore
The Red-tailed Hawk is found throughout most of North America, spanning from the south of Alaska down to Panama. They are often found in open areas, perched on high grounds so they can better search for prey. When they find a target, they will swoop down and catch it within their talons.
They also use these swooping patterns when courting a mate. The males will often fly up very high then swoop down at high speeds doing elaborate flight maneuvers. They may even toss prey to their prospective mates in the middle of it all!
Red-tailed Hawks are actually doing very well overall in terms of conservation efforts. They are very common and are widespread throughout their habitats and locales. They are even experiencing a growth in population.
Red-tailed Hawks have such a piercing call that it is often used as a audioclip stand-in for other birds. One of the examples you may have heard is the Bald Eagle. Bald Eagles tend to actually be quite quiet so a Red-tailed Hawk's screech will be used instead!
