Photography by Desert Oasis Insider

Desert Oasis Insider · Bird field guide

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Broad wings and, in adults, a reddish upper tail; often watches from a high perch.

Desert & gardensMountains & woodlands

View 2 photographs Get to know this bird

Bird group: Raptors & owls
Where to look: Open country & foothills
Explore the region: Coachella Valley bird guide

What to notice

Broad wings and, in adults, a reddish upper tail; often watches from a high perch.
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.

Where to look

Open country & foothills

When to look

The profile describes a common year-round resident. Open country and exposed perches are useful viewing contexts.

Next time you are outside

Broad wings and, in adults, a reddish upper tail; often watches from a high perch.

Record a sighting

Habitat guidance is not a guaranteed sighting. Photographs may have been taken outside the valley.

Original photography

Through the lens.

Select any photograph for a closer look. Move through the gallery with the arrows or a swipe.

02Red-tailed hawk perched on a wooden power pole in Thermal, CA

This is a regional bird guide; photographs may also come from places beyond the valley. Locations are noted when available.

Identification & natural history

Know what to notice.

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.

From the Nature journal: The Hawk Above the Fields: A Red-tailed Hawk’s Coachella Valley — explore its perches, hunting, soaring and family life through Mark Miller’s photographs.

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.