Front:
aMan Brooks
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (adult and young)
Published by the National Association of Audubon Societies
Back:
No. 8 Red-shouldered Hawk
Length, male, 18% inches
This bird, like its relative, the Red-tailed Hawk,
is often called by the misleading name of "Hen
Hawk” or “Chicken Hawk.” It is unfortunate
that these two species should so often be falsely
accused of crimes usually committed by two other
members of the family.
The favorite haunts of the Red - shouldered
Hawk are wooded areas in the neighborhood of
small water courses. Here it obtains its food,
which, for the most part, consists of small rep-
tiles, frogs, mice, insects and crawfish. It seldom
catches either birds or poultry, and is a beneficial
species. “Of 220 stomachs examined, 3 contained
poultry; 12, other birds; 102, mice; 40, other
mammals; 20, reptiles; 39, batrachians; 92, in-
sects; 16, spiders ; 7, crawfish; 1, earthworms; 2,
offal: 3, fish; and 14 were empty." (Fisher.)
Often the scream of this Hawk can be heard
far above, bringing a touch of the wilderness as
the bird soars in great circles in the sky.
The nest is usually placed in a tall tree and is
sometimes occupied several seasons in succession.
From three to five eggs are laid. These are dul!
white, sprinkled or blotched with chocolate.
Classification: Order Raptores. Family Buteonidæ.
Scientific name: Buteo lineatus.
Range: Throughout eastern North America from
Nova Scotia and Manitoba, south to the Gulf of Mexico
and west to the Great Plains.
No. 8 from set of 50 Winter Birds of the Northeastern United
States. Published by the National Association of Audubon So-
cieties, 1974 Broadway, New York City. Price per set, in a box,
$1.00 post paid.
