Sagebrush Birds - Point Reyes Bird Observatory

Hawks and Falcons
Photos by Tom Grey
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Identification: 19″ – Adult (shown): Tail broad and
rust-colored. Commonly has pale chest and dark band
across belly and white spotted V on back; dark area on
leading edge of wing when in flight. Juvenile: Brown
tail, finely barred black.
Feeding: Hunts by watching from a perch or while
soaring, preying on mammals, birds, reptiles.
Habitat: Open woodlands. Nests in trees and on
cliffs.
Conservation: Stable or increasing. Maintain open
sagebrush; retain existing trees for nesting. Minimize
pesticide use.
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