The most common hawk that has a white breast is the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). This large, widespread hawk is easily identified by its brownish upperparts and pale underparts with a reddish tail. The belly is whitish with fine brown streaks. The reddish tail gives this bird its common name. Red-tailed Hawks are found throughout North America in a variety of habitats including open country, woodlands, and urban areas. They soar over open areas in search of prey while their distinctive high-pitched squealing “keeer” call often gives away their presence.
Other hawks that may display a white breast include:
Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) is the largest hawk in North America. It is light morph birds are pale below and brightly rusty above. The breast is white with reddish barring. Dark morph birds are dark brown above and below with a reddish tail. They are found in open grasslands and prairies in the western states and provinces.
Rough-legged Hawk
The Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) is a medium to large raptor of the far north. It breeds in the Arctic regions of North America and winters in more southern parts of Canada and the lower 48 states. Light morph birds have dark brown upperparts and pale underparts with variable brown spotting and streaking. The breast is often predominantly white. The legs are fully feathered down to the toes.
Swainson’s Hawk
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a medium-sized hawk that breeds in the grasslands and prairies of western North America. It is a long distance migrant, wintering in South America. Light morph birds have dark brown upperparts and white underparts with some streaks and spots. The breast and belly are white with crisp dark streaking lending a scaled appearance.
Light Morph Red-shouldered Hawk
While most Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) are dark brown above and pale below with reddish bars on the underparts, light morph birds exist. These can show a mostly white breast and belly with reddish barring that may resemble a Red-tailed Hawk. But Red-shouldered Hawks have a longer, narrower tail with pale crescents. This species is found in woodlands and wetlands of eastern and coastal North America.
Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a large forest-dwelling hawk with a fierce reputation. Adult birds are slate blue-gray above and whitish below with fine gray barring. The breast can appear nearly plain white. It preys on other birds, rabbits, and squirrels in forested areas throughout Canada, Alaska, and the western and northeastern states.
Identifying Features of Red-tailed Hawk
To confidently identify a Red-tailed Hawk, look for this combination of key features:
Size and Shape
– Large and stocky
– Weighs 2-4 pounds with a wingspan of 4-5 feet
– Relatively short, broad wings and a short, wide tail
Plumage
– Dark brownish upperparts
– Pale underparts ranging from buff to whitish
– Belly with variable brown streaking and spotting
– Broad reddish tail
Head
– Light head with dark streaking
– Dark patagial mark on leading edge of underwing (shoulder)
Behavior
– Soars with wings in a slight dihedral
– Perches prominently on poles, trees, or other elevated sites
– Loud, squealing “keeer” call
Geographic Range and Habitat
The Red-tailed Hawk has an extensive range and is widely distributed across North America. Their breeding range extends from central Alaska across Canada to Nova Scotia. It reaches south throughout the continental United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Red-tailed Hawks occupy a diversity of habitats during breeding and migration. These include:
– Open country including grasslands, prairies, meadows, agricultural fields
– Deserts, scrublands, sagebrush flats
– Deciduous and mixed woodlands
– Coniferous forests
– Parks, suburbs, cities
They usually avoid dense forests but may hunt along forest edges. Red-tailed Hawks are absent from the Arctic tundra and some of the harshest deserts in the southwest U.S. and Mexico.
Winter Range
The winter range consists of the southern half of the breeding range from southern Canada southward. Northern populations migrate south while other populations may relocate to lower elevations. Red-tailed Hawks are resident throughout much of their range.
Hunting and Feeding
Red-tailed Hawks are versatile predators and consummate scavengers. They hunt by scanning for prey while soaring over open areas or watching from an elevated perch. Short chases are initiated to catch prey on the ground. Their diverse diet includes:
Mammals
– Voles
– Mice
– Squirrels
– Rabbits
– Chipmunks
Birds
– Doves
– Starlings
– Blackbirds
– Cardinals
– Sparrows
Reptiles
– Snakes
– Lizards
Insects
– Grasshoppers
– Crickets
Red-tailed Hawks also feed opportunistically on carrion such as roadkill. They have relatively weak talons compared to accipiters and falcons, so most prey is small to medium-sized.
Breeding
Red-tailed Hawks begin breeding at 2 years of age. They form pair bonds that may persist for many seasons. Courtship includes spectacular aerial displays and vocalizations beginning in late winter.
Nest sites are typically high up in large trees, on ledges, or on manmade structures. The same site may be reused over successive years. Both sexes help build a large stick nest lined with bark strips, leaves, and other soft material.
The female lays 1-3 whitish eggs that are spotted with brown markings. Incubation lasts 28-35 days and is performed mainly by the female. The male provides food to the female during incubation.
After hatching, both parents supply food for the growing young. Nestlings fledge at about 6-7 weeks but remain dependent on the parents for several more weeks. Red-tailed Hawks typically raise one brood per season.
Population Status
Red-tailed Hawks are common and widespread. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, populations are stable or increasing over most of their range. The total global population is estimated at around 2 million individuals. Their ability to thrive in human-altered habitats has ensured their continued success in many areas.
Due to their large numbers, the Red-tailed Hawk is considered a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, localized threats include:
– Habitat loss
– Vehicle collisions
– Poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition
– Nest disturbance
Ongoing protection and habitat conservation are important to maintain stable Red-tailed Hawk populations into the future. This iconic North American raptor has been named the national bird of Jamaica and appears on the seals of the city of Anchorage, Alaska and Lane County, Oregon. Seeing the graceful flight of these widespread hawks continues to capture the imagination of nature enthusiasts and birders across the U.S. and beyond.
Conclusion
The Red-tailed Hawk is easily identified by its trademark russet red tail and brownish upperparts contrasting with variable white underparts streaked with brown. No other North American hawk shows this distinctive plumage combination. An inhabitant of a wide range of habitats, the Red-tailed Hawk can be found soaring over open country across much of the continent. Its populations remain healthy and this iconic raptor continues to fascinate hawk watchers and birders with its adaptability and majestic presence.
