Red-tailed Hawk on a post.
BUTEOS
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Among the most common raptors in North America and a very popular falconry bird.
- One of two raptors that apprentice falconers are permitted to possess and train.
- Adults have red tails and immature birds have brown tails with black bars.
- Only immature “passage” birds can be trapped during their first migration by falconers.
- Versatile hunters that are extremely trainable with good dispositions. Can be trained to hunt in a variety of natural settings. Sometimes referred to as “old reliable” by falconers.
- Excellent rabbit and squirrel hunters.
- Hearty and able to tolerate cold climates.
Click for more information from the Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter.