Georgia Animal Research Project

Created by: Jacob Young

Red Tailed Hawk

• The red-tailed hawk is probably the most common hawk in North America.

• They represent approximately eight percent of Georgia's birds. Eagles, falcons, hawks and owls, are all located in Georgia, and are categorized as raptors. 

• Red-tailed Hawks fly above open fields, and like to turn slowly in circles.

• These hawks can also be seen on telephone poles, looking on the ground to catch prey.

Details about the Red Tailed Hawk

• Species - Buteo jamaicensis• Classification - Aves• Anatomy - typically weighs 1.52 to

3.53 lb and measuring 18–26 inches in length, with a wingspan from 43–57 in.

• Average life span: 21 years• Locomotion - speeds from 20 to

40 mph in flight and speed may exceed 120 mph when diving for prey.

• Diet - Mainly small mammals, but it also includes birds and reptiles.

Details continued…

• Habitat – Mixed forest and fields, with high trees that may be used as perch sites. They can also be found in the desert.

• Adaptations – Red Tailed Hawks sharp, strong talons, which help them catch their prey, while their hooked beaks are designed for ripping and tearing apart meat. They also have great vision and can see in color. Reproduction - The red-tailed hawk can begin mating at two years of age. They can produce a clutch of 1 to 3 eggs in March or April, depending upon the latitude.

More Details

• Behavior – The Red-tailed Hawk soars in wide circles high over fields. In high winds they may glide into the wind and coast without flapping, with their eyes fixed on the ground. They attack in a slow, controlled dive with legs outstretched

• Enemies - The Red tailed hawks main competitor/predator is the great horned owl. It has known to attack the hawk and its nest. They also compete for food.

• Survival Status - The Red Tailed Hawk survives by catching prey and drinking water.

The End…