Red-Tailed Hawk or Turkey Vulture?

General appearance

Red-tailed hawks are large birds of prey with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. The most distinctive feature is their rich, brick-red tail, visible in adults. The body exhibits a mix of brown with a pale, streaked belly and underneath. When observed in flight, the tail is often fanned and the wings show a distinct dark bar at the leading edge.

Male vs female

Although similar in coloration, females are typically larger than males, measuring about 25% more in weight. Both sexes display the same general color patterns with no significant differences in plumage. Observing size is key for differentiation in the field, as plumage features remain consistent between sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-tailed hawks differ from adults, having a brown tail with horizontal bars and a more mottled brown appearance overall, lacking the red tail until maturity. Their underside is less streaked, and they showcase paler eyes compared to adults. With age, the eye and plumage color gradually deepen, and the red tail emerges after the first molt.

Primary habitat

Red-tailed hawks prefer habitats such as open country, woodlands, prairie groves, mountains, and plains. These habitats provide ample open spaces for hunting and high perches.

Additional range

They are adaptable to a variety of terrains including roadsides, woodland clearings, grasslands or deserts, often seen at utility poles or trees.

Natural diet

Red-tailed hawks have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their diet changes depending on the location and season. They frequently prey on mammals such as voles, rats, rabbits, and ground squirrels. Additionally, they consume many birds, up to the size of pheasants, and reptiles, particularly snakes. Occasionally, they eat bats, frogs, toads, insects, and various other creatures. They may also scavenge and feed on carrion.

Bird feeders

Red-tailed hawks typically do not gather at bird feeders because their natural prey is not commonly found there. They require larger prey, which is not provided by the seeds or smaller birds usually attracted to bird feeders.