Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

Photo by Peter LaTourrette  North American Birds Photo Gallery

play call 

This call is often heard as the hawk is soaring on a thermal updraft high in the sky.

• Dark belly band formed by vertical streaks in band across belly
• Tail appears brick red above and pink below
• The dark patagial mark on underwing, present on all ages and races, is unique

Habitat

The red-tailed hawk builds its nest in large trees surrounded by open areas. Their main territory consists of large woodlots surrounded by open fields and pastures for foraging.

Status

The red-tailed hawk is a permanent resident  in Atlanta and can often be seen soaring or perched in the top of a large tree.