There are a few different types of large brown birds with red tails that this description could match. The most likely candidate is the red-tailed hawk, a common raptor found throughout most of North America. Red-tailed hawks are on the larger end of the scale for hawk species, with adults typically weighing 2-4 pounds and measuring 19-25 inches long with wingspans of around 4.5 feet. As their name suggests, these hawks can be identified by their distinctive reddish-brown tails. Beyond the tail, red-tailed hawks display considerable variation in plumage. In general, these large raptors have brownish upperparts and pale underparts with dark banding on the belly, legs, and wing undersides. The head often shows variable amounts of white spotting. While many red-tailed hawks are indeed big and brown with red tails, color morphs like dark-phase, rufous-phase, and albino red-tails exist. The overlap in size and colors means other raptors like ferruginous hawks, rough-legged hawks, and red-shouldered hawks may match the “big brown bird with a red tail” description as well in some cases. But the red-tailed hawk is by far the most numerous and widespread hawk in North America and thus the most likely identification.
Identifying Features of Red-Tailed Hawks
Beyond the obvious red tail, there are several key features that can help identify a red-tailed hawk in the field:
Size and shape: As mentioned above, these hawks are generally large with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. They often soar with wings held in a slight dihedral.
Coloration: Red-tailed hawks display extensive variation in plumage. In general, look for a brownish back and upperwing coverts and pale underparts with some streaking or mottling on the belly band. The tail is rusty-red above with a pale base and wide dark band on the tip.
Head pattern: The heads of red-tailed hawks are primarily white or buffy overall with variable dark mottling on the crown and dark patches around the pale eyes.
Flight style: These hawks often soar over open areas, sometimes hovering in place briefly while hunting. Their wingbeats are generally steady in active flight.
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats throughout North America including woods, grasslands, deserts, pastures, androadsides. Often seen perched on poles, trees, or other elevated perches.
Voice: The classic loud, raspy “keeer” descending scream. Also gives shorter “kik” notes.
Similar Species Comparison
While the red tail is distinctive, other large buteo hawks should be considered when identifying a big brown bird:
Ferruginous Hawk
– Larger than red-tailed, with a bigger bill and broader wings
– Overall pale reddish-brown colors with some streaking below
– Whitish tail with dark band at tip
Rough-legged Hawk
– Longer wings and tail, with dark wrist patches when soaring
– Dark belly band contrasts with pale underwings
– Hover-hunts more frequently than red-tailed
Red-shouldered Hawk
– Longer, thinner wings and tail than red-tailed
– Pale crescents near wingtips in flight
– Reddish shoulders and pale reddish panel on inner wing feathers
– Soars less frequently than red-tailed
| Species | Size | Wingspan | Coloration | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | 4.5 feet | Brown back, pale underparts with streaks | Rusty reddish |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Very large | Over 4.5 feet | Overall pale reddish-brown | Mostly white |
| Rough-legged Hawk | Large | 4.5 feet | Dark belly band, pale underwings | White with dark tip |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium-large | 3.5-4 feet | Pale crescents near wingtips | Black and white bands |
Behaviors and Hunting
Red-tailed hawks are versatile predators that employ a mix of hunting strategies:
Still-hunting: Perches on an elevated post and scans the terrain for prey. Will swoop down to grab prey on the ground.
Soaring: Glides high over open areas watching for prey below. Will stoop down feet-first to strike prey.
Hover-hunting: Flaps into wind and hovers in place briefly to spot potential prey before dropping down.
Low flight: Cruises low over fields and grasslands in search of prey, similar to northern harriers.
Preferred prey varies across their range but often includes rodents like mice, voles, gophers, and squirrels. They also take other small mammals as well as reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Larger red-tails may even attack ducks, rabbits, and juvenile hares. These Hawks hunt from perches as well as on the wing, swooping down to strike prey with their talons.
Habitat and Distribution
The red-tailed hawk is widely distributed across North America from Alaska and Canada southward into Central America. Their habitat is highly variable and includes:
– Open woodlands
– Coniferous and deciduous forests
– Shrublands
– Grasslands
– Wetlands
– Deserts
– Farmland
– Suburbs and parks
Within these habitats, red-tailed hawks seek out open areas with elevated perches for hunting along with tall trees or cliff sides for nesting. Since they are common in diverse habitats and readily adapt to human activity, red-tailed hawks are one of the most frequently sighted raptors across their range.
The map below shows the distribution of the red-tailed hawk across North America:
Nesting and Reproduction
Red-tailed hawks begin nesting behaviors starting in late winter or early spring. Breeding pairs will construct a large stick nest in a tall tree, sometimes using an abandoned nest from a previous year. The nest is lined with softer material like bark strips, grass, or conifer sprigs. Territory is defended around the nest site.
The female lays 1-3 white or pale bluish eggs that are incubated for 28-35 days before hatching. The chicks will remain in the nest for 42-46 days before fledging. Red-tailed hawks typically raise one brood per year. Lifespan in the wild may range from 12-20 years.
Status and Conservation
With an extensive range and large total population, the red-tailed hawk is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Population trends are generally stable or even increasing in some regions as these adaptable raptors move into more developed areas. As human modification of landscapes continues, the status of red-tailed hawks may increase further across North America.
Conclusion
The red-tailed hawk’s large size, broad wings, reddish-brown tail, and pale underparts streaked with brown help distinguish it as the “big brown bird with a red tail.” This common North American buteo inhabits diverse habitats and uses several hunting techniques to take prey ranging from voles to ducks. The adaptability and resilience of red-tailed hawks ensure they remain a visible fixture across the skies of North America. When spotting a large soaring raptor in open country, look for that namesake rusty red tail to help confirm the sighting as a red-tailed hawk.
