Is a red-tailed hawk endangered?

Quick Answer

No, the red-tailed hawk is not an endangered species. The red-tailed hawk has a large range and stable population trend, so it is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the red-tailed hawk is not at risk of extinction in the near future.

Overview

The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a medium to large hawk that is found throughout most of North America. It is one of the most common and widespread raptors in North America. The red-tailed hawk occupies a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. It preys on small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Some key facts about the red-tailed hawk:

• Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
• Range: Throughout most of North America, parts of Central America, Caribbean islands and Hawaii
• Population trend: Stable
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Population and Distribution

The red-tailed hawk has an extremely large range across North America. According to the All About Birds resource from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the breeding range of the red-tailed hawk extends across almost all of the continental United States, the southern half of Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean islands. The winter range consists of most of the breeding range except the northernmost regions of Canada and Alaska.

The global population size of the red-tailed hawk is estimated to be around 2 million individuals. In just the United States, the population is estimated at around 1.5 million birds.

The red-tailed hawk occupies a variety of habitats within its widespread range, including:

• Open forests
• Woodland edges
• Grasslands
• Agricultural fields
• Deserts
• Urban and suburban areas

They are well adapted to human activity and will readily nest on man-made structures like telephone poles and tall buildings in cities and towns.

Conservation Status

The red-tailed hawk is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means they are not considered at risk of extinction in the near future.

The specific factors that contribute to the red-tailed hawk’s stable conservation status include:

• Extremely large range covering North, Central and South America
• Stable population trend over the past few decades
• Estimated global population of around 2 million
• Ability to thrive in human-altered habitats
• Not currently facing any substantial threats to population

In the United States, the red-tailed hawk is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to kill, capture, sell or otherwise harm the birds or their nests and eggs.

Population Trends

Monitoring programs like the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) show that red-tailed hawk populations are generally stable or slightly increasing across most of their range.

Here is a table summarizing population trend data from the BBS in different regions of North America:

The long-term trend shows the red-tailed hawk population increased significantly across North America between 1966-2019. Shorter-term trends from 2009-2019 show more variation across regions, with decreasing trends in some areas, but the overall widespread population remains stable continent-wide.

Threats

There are no major threats causing widespread declines of red-tailed hawk populations currently. Some potential localized threats include:

• Habitat loss – Loss of natural habitats like forests and grasslands can put pressure on hawks in some regions. However, their adaptability helps them persist.
• Poisoning – Secondary poisoning from rodenticides or pesticides may affect some individuals
• Collisions – Collision with vehicles and wind turbines causes some mortality
• Illegal shooting – These birds are sometimes illegally shot despite protections

None of these localized threats are significantly influencing the overall stable population trends across the massive range of the red-tailed hawk. Ongoing monitoring is important to detect any future population declines.

Unique Identifying Features

The red-tailed hawk is a stocky, medium to large-sized hawk characterized by broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. They have a varied color morphs, with western birds typically lighter in color while eastern birds are darker brown. All red-tailed hawks have the distinctive reddish-brown tail from which they get their name (the tail may appear more pinkish when backlit).

Some key identification features include:

• Large, stocky build
• Broad, rounded wings
• Short, wide tail that is reddish-brown in color
• Pale underside with dark band across belly
• Variably colored uppersides, from almost black to pale brown
• Light head with dark streaking

The red-tailed hawk can be confused with other large Buteo hawks like the ferruginous hawk or rough-legged hawk in some parts of their range. However, the red tail and stocky build helps distinguish this widespread species.

Behavior and Diet

The red-tailed hawk is well known for its ability to soar and hunt from high vantage points. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey while soaring, and then swoop down to grasp prey in their talons.

Red-tailed hawks are opportunistic predators and have a varied diet including:

• Small mammals – squirrels, rats, mice, voles, rabbits
• Birds – pigeons, quail, grouse, small songbirds
• Reptiles – snakes, lizards
• Amphibians – frogs, toads
• Insects
• Carrion (dead and decaying animals)

They often hunt from a perch, dropping down onto prey on the ground. Their wide range of prey helps support stable populations across diverse habitats.

Breeding and Nesting

The breeding season for red-tailed hawks runs from March through July across most of their range. They often reuse nest sites and maintain territories year-round. Nests are typically built high up in trees, on cliff ledges or even human-made structures.

Some key facts about red-tailed hawk nesting:

• Clutch size is 1 – 3 eggs. Larger clutches in areas with abundant prey
• Incubation lasts 28-35 days
• Young fledge at about 6 weeks old
• Pairs may “double brood” and raise a second clutch in one season
• Juveniles reach full maturity and begin breeding around 2 years old

The large range and variety of suitable nesting locations contributes to the stable population status of the red-tailed hawk. Their ability to tolerate human activity enables them to thrive across the continent.

Significance to Ecosystems and Humans

As a common predator and scavenger, the red-tailed hawk plays an important role in controlling populations of small animals like rodents, snakes and insects. This helps maintain healthy ecosystem balance.

For humans, the red-tailed hawk is one of the most recognizable and cherished raptors in North America. Even many city dwellers are familiar with the sight of red-tails soaring overhead. Their willingness to nest close to human activity offers easily accessible raptor-viewing opportunities.

Conservation Efforts

Because red-tailed hawk populations remain healthy across most of their range, there are no major conservation actions currently required for the species as a whole. However, local efforts may help protect and boost populations in areas facing habitat loss or other localized threats. Some conservation measures include:

• Monitoring breeding populations
• Protecting remaining natural habitats from development
• Putting up nest boxes or platforms where natural nesting sites are scarce
• Restricting rodenticide use to prevent poisoning from accumulated chemicals

Ongoing environmental education about reducing threats like illegal shooting and avoiding disturbances at nests sites can also help maintain red-tailed hawk populations into the future.

Conclusion

The red-tailed hawk remains common and widespread throughout North America due to its adaptability, varied diet, and stable breeding rates. While local threats require some conservation attention, this iconic raptor faces no imminent threats to its long-term survival across its range. With over 2 million individuals breeding from Alaska to Central America, ongoing monitoring and protection measures will help ensure the red-tailed hawk remains a fixture overhead for generations to come. Its conservation status is expected to remain Least Concern barring any unforeseen threats emerging in the future.