New Jersey is home to a diverse population of hawks. Hawks are predatory birds that belong to the family Accipitridae and are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are over 60 species of hawks in North America alone. However, when it comes to the most frequently spotted hawk in New Jersey, one species reigns supreme – the red-tailed hawk.
Why is the red-tailed hawk so common in New Jersey?
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most widespread and common hawks not only in New Jersey but throughout North America. Here are some key reasons why red-tailed hawks thrive in New Jersey:
- Adaptable habitat – Red-tailed hawks are habitat generalists, meaning they can thrive in many different environments. New Jersey provides ideal habitat for red-tails including open fields, pastures, agricultural areas, wetlands, suburbs, and along highway corridors.
- Abundant prey – A key factor in any raptor’s success is access to plenty of prey. Red-tailed hawks feast on rodents like mice and voles as well as reptiles, amphibians, and birds. New Jersey offers a smorgasbord of prey options to sustain red-tail populations.
- Nesting sites – Mature trees are critical for red-tailed hawk nesting and breeding. New Jersey has ample forested areas, tree lines, and wooded suburban neighborhoods that red-tails utilize for nesting.
- Tolerance of human activity – Unlike many raptor species, red-tailed hawks have adapted well to increased human development and activity. Their tolerance gives them an advantage over hawks that are more sensitive to disturbances.
Thanks to these key factors, red-tailed hawks have carved out a thriving niche in New Jersey and can be readily observed in both rural and developed areas across the state.
Distribution of red-tailed hawks in New Jersey
Red-tailed hawks occupy a wide range of habitats in New Jersey. Here is a look at where they are most likely to be found across the state:
- Farmlands – Pastures, croplands, orchards, and other agricultural areas offer hunting grounds rich in rodents and other small prey attractive to red-tails.
- Wetlands – Marshes, swamps, and shorelines provide red-tails with habitat to hunt ducks, fish, frogs, and other wetland prey.
- Forests – Mature forest stands, especially those bordering open fields, are used for nesting and hunting by red-tails.
- Suburban areas – Tree-lined neighborhoods, parks, golf courses, and other suburban green spaces offer an abundance of squirrels, rabbits and songbirds for red-tails.
- Along highways – Trees and signposts along highways provide perches for red-tails to scan for prey in roadside grasses and medians.
No matter where you are in New Jersey, keep an eye out overhead and you’re likely to spot the widespread red-tailed hawk patrolling its domain.
Identification of red-tailed hawks
Red-tailed hawks are straightforward to identify thanks to their distinctive plumage features:
- Colors – As the name suggests, red-tailed hawks sport rich russet-colored tail feathers. They also have a brownish back and wings and a light belly streaked with brown spots.
- Markings – Look for the dark patagial bar on the leading edge of the hawk’s wings formed by black spots. The back of the head may have a reddish patch.
- Size – Medium to large with a wingspan around 4 feet. Stocky build with broad, rounded wings.
- Behaviors – Often seen soaring overhead and perching prominently. Flies with a few strong wingbeats interspersed by short glides.
- Calls – Frequently vocalizes with a high, squealing “keeeeee-arrr” cry.
Differences between juvenile and adult plumage
When identifying red-tailed hawks, it’s important to note the distinction between juvenile and adult plumages:
- Juveniles:
- Brown back and wings
- Buffy white underparts with brown streaks
- Bold white dots along the back and wings
- Narrow, ragged tail bands
- Adults:
- Darker brown back and wings
- Clean white underparts with little streaking
- No white dots
- Thick, crisp, rusty red tail bands
The juvenile’s tail may have some red, but is still primarily brown and streaked until they molt into their adult plumage by year two.
Common confused hawk species
While red-tailed hawks are easy to identify once you know their field marks, certain other hawk species are potentially confused with red-tails at first glance:
Red-shouldered Hawk
- Smaller and more slender with longer tail
- Dark patches on pale wing panels create a translucent effect
- Reddish barring on chest, not streaks
Broad-winged Hawk
- Smaller with stubbier wings and a short, wide tail
- Dark brown upperparts; white underparts with rusty barring
- No noticeable patagial marks
Rough-legged Hawk
- Long, thin wings; longish hooked bill
- Dark belly band contrasts with white chest and tail base
- Hovering flight style
Taking note of these distinguishing characteristics will help any hawk watcher correctly pick out that ubiquitous red-tailed hawk from its less common look-alikes.
Red-tailed hawk nests and reproduction
One reason red-tailed hawks are so numerous in New Jersey is that they are prolific and successful breeders. Here’s a look at their nesting habits:
- Nest sites – Prefer to build nests high up in mature trees including oaks, pines, cottonwoods, and maples. Also may nest on cliff ledges or human-made platforms.
- Nest materials – Constructed from a pile of sticks and twigs, lined with bark strips and fresh leaves. 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall when complete.
- Clutch size – Typically lays 1-3 eggs, incubated for 28-35 days by the female.
- Offspring – Chicks hatch with white down and rely on parents to provide food. Fledge at 6-7 weeks but remain dependent for several more weeks.
- Broods – Northern populations have 1 brood per year. Southern populations may raise 2 broods.
Red-tailed hawks become sexually mature and begin breeding between 2-3 years old. Though the same nesting sites are often reused for years, pairs will build a new nest each season.
Red-tailed hawk diet and hunting
Red-tailed hawks are skilled and opportunistic hunters that will prey on a wide variety of animals. Here’s an overview of their diet and hunting strategies:
- Primary prey:
- Voles
- Mice
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Snakes
- Secondary prey:
- Insects
- Amphibians
- Small birds
- Fish
- Hunting habits:
- Still-hunt for prey while perched or soaring
- Spot prey up to half a mile away
- Dive feet-first to strike prey on ground
- May stash extra food on perches
In lean times, red-tails will opportunistically feed on carrion and food scraps. They swallow prey whole or in chunks and later regurgitate indigestible parts as pellets.
Red-tailed hawk population concerns
Currently red-tailed hawk populations are stable and even thriving across most of their range, including in New Jersey. However, there are a few concerns to monitor for these common raptors moving forward:
- Habitat loss – Development, logging, and industrialization may reduce nesting sites and hunting grounds.
- Vehicle collisions – Red-tails are frequently hit when swooping down on roadside prey.
- Poisons – Secondhand poisoning from rodenticides and contaminated prey are an emerging issue.
- Climate change – Could cause shifts in suitable hawk habitat over time as average temperatures rise.
Thankfully, red-tailed hawks remain common and resilient for now. But keeping their habitat protected and limiting man-made threats will be important conservation steps going forward.
Interesting facts about red-tailed hawks
Beyond being the most common hawk in New Jersey, here are some interesting facts about the widespread red-tailed hawk:
- The scientific name Buteo jamaicensis refers to the fact that the first specimen was described from Jamaica.
- Most red-tails migrate south for the winter, though some may overwinter as far north as New Jersey.
- The red tail can fade to a russet-brown color but still remains distinctive.
- Their loud screeching cry is frequently used to signify hawks or eagles in movies and on TV.
- Red-tail numbers rebounded after the ban on DDT, a pesticide that thinned their egg shells.
- They have a slow flapping flight with wings angled in a slight V-shape.
- North American Buteos like red-tails are also called “buzzards,” but are unrelated to true buzzards.
Conclusion
The red-tailed hawk stands talons and wings above other hawks found in New Jersey and across much of North America. Thanks to its adaptability, population densities of red-tails are healthy and the species can be observed in diverse habitats statewide. This beloved raptor is deserving of its fame and merits continued monitoring and conservation to ensure future generations can enjoy spotting the familiar sight of a red-tail majestically soaring overhead.
