Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most widespread and recognizable raptors in North America—and a commanding presence in the skies of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

Identification

• Size: Large, stocky hawk with broad wings and a short, wide tail.

• Coloration: Adults are typically brown above and pale below with a streaked belly band. The tail is rich rufous-red on top (hence the name), often visible in flight.

• Juveniles: Lack the red tail; instead, they have brown-barred tails and are more heavily streaked underneath.

• Call: A raspy, descending kee-eeeee-arr, often used in movies to represent any bird of prey.

Habitat & Range

• In the Coachella Valley: Common year-round resident.

• Seen soaring over deserts, washes, agricultural fields, open canyons, and even urban areas.

• Prefers open landscapes with nearby perches such as utility poles, Joshua trees, or cliff edges.

Diet & Hunting

• A versatile predator, it hunts mostly small mammals: ground squirrels, rabbits, and desert woodrats.

• Will also eat snakes, birds, and carrion.

• Often seen soaring or perched, scanning for prey with exceptional eyesight.

• Uses a dive-and-grab method from a high perch or while gliding overhead.

Adaptations

• Incredible vision: Can spot prey from over 100 feet up.

• Broad wings: Provide lift for slow, soaring flight, ideal for conserving energy over large open areas.

• Vocalizations & posture: Used for territory defense and courtship displays.

Ecological Role

• Serves as a top predator in local food webs, controlling rodent populations.

• Nesting sites can become microhabitats for smaller birds that reuse old nests.

Breeding

• Pairs often mate for life.

• Build large stick nests high in cliffs or tall trees (including palms).

• Two to three eggs per clutch, with chicks hatching in spring.

Cultural & Symbolic Significance

• Revered in many Native American traditions as a symbol of strength, vision, and guardianship.

• Their dramatic cry and silhouette have made them iconic in American visual culture.