Red+Tailed+Hawk

=__**Physical Appearence**__= A male Red-Tailed Hawk may weigh from 690 to 1300 g and measure 45–56 cm, while a female can weigh between 900 and 2000 g and measure 48 to 65 cm long; wingspan is about 114 to 133 cm.Red-tailed Hawk feathers can be variable, depending on the region. These color variations are morphs. The western North American population is the most variable subspecies and has three color morphs: light, dark, and intermediate. The dark and intermediate morphs is 10–20% of the population.Though the markings vary, the basic appearance of the Red-tailed Hawk is consistent. The underbelly is lighter than the back and a dark brown band across the belly, formed by horizontal streaks in feather patterning, is present in most color variations. The red tail, which gives this species its name, is brick-red above and pink below. The bill is short and dark, in a hooked shape.They have short,broad tails and thick,chunky wings. The legs, and the feet of the Red-tailed Hawk are all yellow.Immature birds can be readily identified at close range by their yellowish irises. As the bird becomes fully mature over the course of 3–4 years, the iris slowly darkens into a reddish-brown hue. The tail of the immature Red-tailed Hawk are patterned with numerous darker bars. =__**Behavior**__= In flight, this hawk soars with wings, tries to flap as little as possible to conserve energy. Active flight is slow and deliberate, with deep wing beats. In wind, it occasionally hovers on beating wings. When soaring or flapping its wings, it typically travels from 64 km/h, but when diving may exceed 190 km/h. =__**Diet**__= The Red-tailed Hawk is carnivorous. Its diet is mainly small mammals, but it also includes birds and reptiles. It usually centers on rodents, comprising up to 85% of a hawk's diet. Most commonly reported prey include mice, voles, chipmunks, ground squirrels, tree squirrels and woodchucks. Additional preys include lagomorphs, shrews, bats, snakes, waterfowl, fish, crustaceans and insects. Prey range in size from beetles to White-tailed Jackrabbits, which are double the weight of most Red-tails. In captivity in winter, an average Red-tail will eat about 135 g daily.The Red-tailed Hawk hunts from an elevated perch site, swooping down from a perch to seize prey. Competition may occur between the Red-tailed Hawk and the Great Horned Owl during twilight, although the differing nesting season and activity times usually results in a lack of direct competition. Although the Red-tailed prey is on average larger, the Great Horned Owl is occasional predator of Red-tailed Hawks and their nests. Other competitors include Swainson's Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks as well as the Northern Goshawk. Hawks have been observed following American Badgers to capture prey they flush and the two are considered potential competitors. Competition over carcasses may occur with American Crows and several crows working together can displace a hawk.