Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a long winged, long tailed hawk. The Buteos are
different from the Accipiters by the heavy build and broad wings. Although its flight is similar which is a glide preceded by several quick wing beats.
The Red-shouldered hawk is about 20 inches long with a wingspan of 40 inches. The shoulders are rusty red with white barring on the wings. The underparts are also rusty and banded. The tail is dark and banded in white.
This hawk prefers moist mixed woodlands and can be found near streams or standing water. It will wait on a low tree or log and pounce upon its prey, which includes snakes, frogs, mice, crayfish and rarely young birds. The voice is a screaming kee-yar.
The nest is placed high in a tree and made of leaves and twigs. There are two to three white eggs spotted with brown. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28 days. The young fledge in about a month.
Its range is throughout the eastern part of the United States and on the West Coast in California.
photo courtesy Ron Watkins, Conejo Valley Audubon Society
