A male Red-tailed Hawk may weigh from 1.5 to 2.9 pounds and measure 18 to 22 in, while a female can weigh between 2 and 4.4 pounds and measure 20 to 26 in in length.

Though the markings and hue vary, the basic appearance of the Red-tailed Hawk is consistent. The underbelly is lighter than the back and a dark brown band across the belly, formed by vertical streaks in feather patterning, is present in most color variations. The red tail, which gives this species its name, is uniformly brick-red above and pink below.The bill is short and dark, in the hooked shape characteristic of raptors. The legs, and the feet of the Red-tailed Hawk are all yellow.

Distribution and habitat

The Red-tailed Hawk is widespread in North America, partially due to historic settlement patterns, which have benefited it. The clearing of forests in the Northeast created hunting areas, while the preservation of woodlots left nest sites. The planting of trees in the west allowed the Red-tailed Hawk to expand its range by creating nest sites where there had been none. The construction of highways with utility poles alongside treeless medians provided perfect habitat for perch-hunting. The Red-tailed Hawk can also be found in cities.

The Red-tailed Hawk is generally non-aggressive toward people and toward other birds. It is commonly attacked by crows,magpies, owls, other hawks, and even songbirds over territorial disputes, though it is generally not injured. When threatened by an intruder, a Red-tailed Hawk will generally flee rather than defend its nest.

The cry of the Red-tailed Hawk is a two to three second hoarse, rasping scream, described as kree-eee-ar, which begins at a high pitch and slurs downward  This cry is often described as sounding similar to a steam whistle. It frequently vocalizes while hunting or soaring, but vocalizes loudest in annoyance or anger, in response to a predator or a rival hawk's intrusion into its territory.At close range, it makes a croaking "guh-runk". Young hawks may utter a wailing klee-uk food cry when parents leave the nest.  Because of its robust crispness, a certain recording of the cry of the Red-tailed Hawk is a cliché cinematicsound effect. This high, fierce scream is often featured in the background of adventure movies to give a sense of wilderness to the scene. However, the cry is more commonly used for the Bald Eagle, whose own vocalizations are quite different and less robust.

Diet

The Red-tailed Hawk is carnivorous, and an opportunistic feeder. Its diet is mainly composed of small mammals, but it also includes birds and reptiles. Prey varies with regional and seasonal availability, but usually includes cottontails, rodents, pheasants, and quaill. It may also prey on waterfowl, fish, bats, shrews, snakes, lizards, and insects.The Red-tailed Hawk hunts primarily from an elevated perch site. It will swoop down from a perch to seize prey, catching birds while flying, or pursuing prey on the ground from a low flight.

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