|
Name: Red-tailed
Hawk |
| Scientific name:
Buteo jamaicensis |
|
| Range: Central Alaska
through Canada across the entire United States, south through Mexico
and into Central America |
|
| Habitat:
Grass lands or marsh- shrub habitats |
|
| Status: Not threatened |
|
| Diet in the wild:
mice, rabbits, hares, medium size birds, lizards, snakes |
|
| Diet in the zoo:
carnivore diet |
|
| Location in the zoo:
Texas Wild Exhibit |
| Length: 22" Wing Span: 56 inches". Sexual Maturity: 3 yrs. Mating Season: spring Incubation: 28-32 days No. of Eggs: 1-3 Birth Interval: year Life span : 10-21 yrs. |
| General
information: The Red-tail can be found high in the sky or perched on a telephone pole. To help in identifying the Red-tail Hawk look at the rounded tail which will show off a russet red color. This will only be in hawks that have reached there second year in age, when the molting process takes place. |
| Special
anatomical, physiological or behavioral adaptations: Like all hawks, the Red-tailed Hawk's talons are its main weapons. Hawks are carnivores (meat eaters) that belong to the category of birds known as raptors. The eyesight of a hawk is 8 times as powerful as a human's. Since the eyes are located towards the side of the head the hawk cannot see directly in front of it. |
 |
Comments about the Red-tailed Hawks
of the Fort Worth Zoo: 
I did not see the Red-tail
Hawk at the Fort Worth Zoo. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common member of the buzzard hawk family. |
| Personal
Observations:
In my neighborhood there are many
fields where I've seen a Red-tail Hawk. This bird is very distinct
in his coloring and is not hard to identify when in flight. Typically
when I see this hawk it is perched on top of a telephone pole or a road
sign. Another aspect that will help you spot this bird is its
size. It is much bigger than most birds that are in the area. |
| Source
Materials and Related Links:
|
 Eric
Johnson
Send E-mail to enjohnson76@hotmail.com or to mac@whozoo.org |
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