Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

The Red-shouldered Hawk is often seen in swampy woods and bogs. There it hunts by watching quietly from a low perch, dropping down to capture a snake or a frog. It also eats insects and small mammals. Normally shy, these birds become tame if they are not bothered, and in some places may nest in suburban areas. During courtship a pair can be quite noisy, wheeling in the sky above their nesting territory and uttering their distinctive whistled scream.

Look For : A large hawk with white bars on long wings, reddish shoulders, and banded tail.

Length : 16-24".

Habitat : Swampy woods, bogs.

Range : Eastern U.S., California.