Range
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common hawks in Oregon, and occupies open country, scrub, woodlands, rocky canyons, coastlines, prairies and deserts.
Description
Generally, adults have a broad, fan-shaped tail with a red upper surface. Typically, backs and upper wing surfaces are dark gray or reddish brown. The breast is cream-colored and streaked with brown. There may also be a darker band across the belly. Most are about 22 inches, with a 52-inch wingspan.
Diet and habitat
About 75 percent of their diet consists of rodents and other small mammals, but also insects, reptiles and other birds. They can be found throughout Oregon in open areas associated with riparian, mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, white oak, aspen and hardwood forest types, and in grasslands and agricultural areas.
Predators and threats
Their eggs and young sometime fall prey to raccoons and great horned owls.
Reproduction
The red-tailed hawk produces two to three offspring per season. The nest is usually in a tall tree bordering an open area. The male brings food to the female incubating the eggs.