The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized buteo native to eastern parts of North America. There is also a separate resident population located along the West Coast.
Adult Red-shouldered Hawks have brownish heads, reddish chests, and reddish bars along their pale bellies. They are named for the reddish patches found on their "shoulders."
Red-shouldered Hawks prefer a forest habitat. They build stick nests in trees and often hunt from a perched position onto prey items like lizards, snakes, and small mammals.
The crop is a fascinating aspect of avian anatomy, serving as a crucial part of the digestive system in many bird species. This expandable pouch, typically found at the throat, acts as a storage space for food prior to digestion. While most commonly associated with birds, the crop... Read more »
Today the beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk joins Birdorable! With their distinctive markings, persistent call, and widespread range, the Red-shouldered Hawk is one of North America's most recognizable birds of prey. They are the most common buteo we see around here at... Read more »
