It favors mature forests near wetland areas for breeding and raising young. The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized forest dwelling hawk with a checkered range over the eastern and western United States. Young fledge the nest at 6 to 7 weeks old but continue to be fed by parents for several more weeks as they learn to hunt on their own. Clutch size is usually 1 to 3 eggs which are incubated for about a month before hatching. The male performs aerial displays during courtship. Their call is a distinctive, loud, raptor scream known as a keer.īreeding pairs build nests high up in trees, often close to open fields which provide hunting habitat. When hunting, red-tails will fly to a perch, scan for prey and then swoop down to attack. Preferred hunting perches include utility poles, fence posts and tree branches which provide a clear view over open areas. They also consume other birds, reptiles and amphibians. Red-tailed hawks are skilled hunters that primarily prey on small mammals like mice, voles and rabbits. They have a light brown head which contrasts with the dark leading edges of the wings. The belly is light with some streaks or spotting. Adults have signature reddish-brown tail feathers and light to dark brown upperparts. Its total length ranges from 18 to 25 inches, with females noticeably larger than males on average. In Mississippi, the red-tailed hawk is the most abundant and frequently observed hawk species. The red-tailed hawk can survive in many environments which contributes to its widespread prevalence. It occupies a diverse range of habitats from open grasslands and fields to forests and urban areas. With its trademark red tail and familiar shrill call, the red-tailed hawk is one of the most widespread and commonly seen birds of prey across North America. Open country, grasslands, pastures, urban areas Open habitats – marshes, fields, grasslands Open country, grasslands, woodlands, urban areasįorests, woodlots, urban areas with trees Read on to learn more about the hawk species that give Mississippi skies their wild spirit. We spotlight identification tips, preferred habitats, hunting strategies and breeding ecology of Mississippi’s most iconic raptors. From tiny kestrels hovering over fields to the powerful goshawk patrolling Pine forests, this guide explores the 10 most common hawks found across the Magnolia State. Mississippi is home to a diverse array of hawks that add excitement to the state’s skies. The sharp shinned hawk, North America’s smallest accipiter, zipping between trees. An agile Cooper’s hawk darting through the forest canopy. The majestic red-tailed hawk circling high overhead.
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