Front:
ananBrooks.
RED-TAILED HAWK (adult and young)
Published by the National Association of Audubon Societies
Back:
No. 9 Red-tailed Hawk
Length, male, 20 inches
This bird, like its near relative, the Red-shoul-
dered Hawk, is very generally called by the inap-
propriate name of “Hen” or “Chicken Hawk.” It
preys chiefly upon mice and other small mammals,
frogs, reptiles and insects. Occasionally wild birds
or poultry fall into its clutches, but they form a
very inconsiderable portion of its food. "Of 562
stomachs examined, 54 contained poultry or game
birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mam-
empty.” (Fisher.)
species
usually frequents wooded distriats and its pres-
ence is often made knowh by the excited cawings
of Crows which have assolibled to mob it. Again,
it is often dete&ted Load the prolonged scream which
Like the Red-shouldered HawkwBRE 19804
NEWtar. 47, i
WOO 89
comes reverberating through the forest, or from
the sky where it sails in wide circles.
The present species is somewhat larger than the
Red-shouldered, and, under favorable conditions,
the rich rufous tail-band may serve as a distin-
guishing mark
The nest is in trees, usually high up. From two
to four eggs are laid, dull white and irregularly
marked with cinnamon-brown.
Classification: Order Raptores. Family Buteonida
Scientific Name: Buteo borealis.
Range: Throughout North America from Canada to
Mexico and Greater Antilles.
No. 9 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.
