Angel the Leucistic Red-tailed Hawk
2021 Season
Our first season with Angel (F) & Mo (M). They laid three eggs in March and all three chicks successfully fledged in June. The cam was still getting started and only had a long-range PTZ cam view of the nest.
2022 Season
We installed a small pinhole camera above Angel’s nest and helped reinforce the nest. Angel chose a new mate that was named Tom. Tom was a sub-adult at the time and wasn’t quite sure how to mate with Angel. They had no eggs, but stayed around each other all year, strengthening their bond.
2023 Season
Angel and Tom started nest building in mid-February. End of March Angel laid two eggs. They both hatched successfully in late April. Sadly, the first chick did not survive. Tom taloned the new hatchling. We believe this was due to his lack of experience. Although seemingly unsure, Tom seemed to acquire the necessary skills to raise young. The remaining chick was named Deyani and fledged in mid-June.
Events:
March 24th Angel’s First Egg & Second Egg March 27th.
April 28, 2023 Egg1 at 7:42:39AM hatched.
April 29, 2023 At 7:42:03 Tom arrives for duty, Tom keeps his actions out of our view, but when he moves away as Angel returns the chick has died. He reacted instinctively only, and an unintentional death occurred.
April 30, 2023, Egg2 1:22:43PM hatched.
2024 Season
Angel and Tom seem to have a perfect start to the season. A lot of nest building and mating happened. Weirdly Angel didn’t lay any eggs. No other nests were found. It seemed to just be an off year for Angel.
2025 Season
Hoping to have cam ups in Feb/March. Will launch sooner if Angel comes back and there is some activity at the nest.
Threats to Red-tailed Hawks
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Urbanization
Expansion of cities and suburbs can lead to the conversion of natural habitats into developed areas, reducing the availability of suitable hunting grounds and nesting sites for red-tailed hawks.
Agriculture
Large-scale agriculture can result in the clearing of forests and grasslands, impacting the availability of prey species and reducing the overall biodiversity of the landscape.
Infrastructure Development
Construction of roads, highways, and other infrastructure can fragment habitats, making it difficult for red-tailed hawks to find contiguous areas for foraging and breeding.
Collision with Vehicles
Roadside Hunting
Red-tailed hawks often hunt along roadsides where prey, such as rodents, are abundant. This behavior increases their risk of colliding with vehicles while in pursuit of prey.
Climate Change
Altered Prey Availability
Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and abundance of small mammals and birds, which are primary prey for red-tailed hawks. For example, shifts in temperature and precipitation may affect rodent populations, influencing the hawks' foraging success.
Extreme Weather Events
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as storms and droughts, can directly impact red-tailed hawk nests and nesting success.
Pesticides and Chemical Contamination
Organophosphates and Carbamates
These classes of pesticides are commonly used in agriculture and can be lethal to red-tailed hawks if they consume prey that has been exposed to these chemicals.
Rodenticides
Red-tailed hawks may be indirectly affected by rodenticides when they consume rodents that have ingested these toxic substances, leading to secondary poisoning.
Heavy Metals
Agricultural runoff and industrial activities can introduce heavy metals into the environment, posing a threat to red-tailed hawks through contaminated prey.
Illegal Shootings
Misidentification and Perceived Threats
Red-tailed hawks are sometimes mistaken for threats to livestock, leading to intentional shootings by individuals aiming to protect their animals. Education programs are crucial to reduce misunderstandings and promote coexistence between red-tailed hawks and livestock.
Unlawful Hunting
Red-tailed hawks may be illegally targeted by hunters, either for sport or due to misconceptions about their impact on game bird populations. Strict law enforcement and public awareness campaigns can help deter illegal shootings and protect these raptors.
Electrocutions
Perching on Power Lines
Red-tailed hawks may be prone to perching on power lines while scanning for prey. The lack of suitable perching structures, such as insulated platforms, increases the risk of electrocution.
Nest Proximity to Power Infrastructure
Nesting sites located close to power lines and utility poles can lead to increased exposure to the risk of electrocution, particularly for fledglings and adults accessing nests.
Mitigation Measures
Implementing raptor-safe utility designs, insulating power lines, and providing alternative perching structures can help mitigate the risk of electrocutions. Collaboration between energy companies and conservation organizations is essential to implement these measures effectively.
Red-tailed Hawk
Fast Facts
Identification
Juvenile Stage:
Plumage: Juvenile red-tailed hawks have a distinct plumage. They are generally brown overall with a mottled appearance. The underparts are lighter with streaking, and the tail is often banded or barred.
Eye Color: Their eyes are typically a lighter color, such as yellow or amber.
Subadult Stage:
Transitioning Plumage: As red-tailed hawks mature, their plumage begins to transition. They retain some characteristics of the juvenile plumage but may start to show adult features.
Eye Color: The eye color may start to change to a darker shade, transitioning to the characteristic reddish-brown color of adults.
Adult Stage:
Plumage: Adult red-tailed hawks have a distinctive plumage. The upperparts are generally dark brown, and the underparts can range from pale to rich rufous (reddish-brown). The belly may have dark streaks.
Red Tail: The most iconic feature is the red coloration of the tail feathers, which gives the species its name. However, not all adults have uniformly red tails; some may have variations, including dark bars.
Size: Red-tailed hawks are large birds of prey, with a wingspan ranging from 3 to 4.5 feet (0.9 to 1.4 meters).
Diet
Red-tailed hawks are versatile hunters with a varied diet.
Red-tailed hawks are versatile hunters who use their keen eyesight to locate prey from perches or while soaring high in the sky. They are often observed perched on utility poles, fence posts, or trees, patiently watching for movement on the ground. Once prey is spotted, they use their powerful flight and sharp talons to capture and subdue it. Their adaptability in terms of prey selection contributes to their success in a wide range of habitats, from open grasslands and deserts to forests and urban areas.
Small Mammals
Red-tailed hawks commonly prey on small mammals such as rodents (mice, voles, etc) as well as rabbits and squirrels.
Larger individuals may also hunt larger mammals such as young opossums and groundhogs.
Birds
Birds are another important component of their diet. Red-tailed hawks may capture birds ranging from small songbirds to larger species like pigeons and pheasants.
They are known to perch in high locations, scanning the ground for potential prey or soaring on thermal currents to spot birds below.
Carrion
Like many raptors, red-tailed hawks are opportunistic and may feed on carrion. They are known to scavenge on roadkill or other available sources of dead animals.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Red-tailed hawks may also consume reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and frogs.
Insects
While not a primary component of their diet, red-tailed hawks may consume insects, especially during times when other prey is scarce.
Nesting Process
Nest Site Selection
Red-tailed hawks are adaptable in their choice of nesting sites, and their nests can be found in a variety of locations.
They often select elevated sites for their nests, such as the upper branches of tall trees, cliffs, or even artificial structures like utility poles and buildings.
Timing of Nesting
Red-tailed hawks typically breed from late winter to early summer, with the exact timing depending on the region and local climate conditions.
Courtship and nest-building activities often begin several weeks before egg-laying.
Incubation
The female is primarily responsible for incubating the eggs, while the male provides food for her during this period.
Incubation lasts for about 28 to 35 days, and during this time, the female rarely leaves the nest.
Post-Fledging Period
After fledging, the young hawks continue to depend on their parents for food and guidance for some time.
They gradually learn to hunt and become more independent as they gain strength and skills.
Nest Site Selection
Red-tailed hawks are adaptable in their choice of nesting sites, and their nests can be found in a variety of locations.
They often select elevated sites for their nests, such as the upper branches of tall trees, cliffs, or even artificial structures like utility poles and buildings.
Nest Construction
Red-tailed hawks build large stick nests, which they may use and refurbish year after year. The nests are typically constructed by both the male and female hawks.
The female is often more involved in arranging and lining the nest, while the male gathers and brings materials.
Timing of Nesting
Red-tailed hawks typically breed from late winter to early summer, with the exact timing depending on the region and local climate conditions.
Courtship and nest-building activities often begin several weeks before egg-laying.
Eggs
A typical clutch consists of one to five eggs, with two eggs being the most common. The eggs are usually laid a day or two apart.
Incubation
The female is primarily responsible for incubating the eggs, while the male provides food for her during this period.
Incubation lasts for about 28 to 35 days, and during this time, the female rarely leaves the nest.
Fledging and Nestling Period
Once the eggs hatch, the nestlings are covered in white down.
Both parents are actively involved in feeding the nestlings and bringing prey items to the nest.
The nestling period lasts around 42 to 46 days, after which the young hawks fledge and begin to explore the area around the nest.
Post-Fledging Period
After fledging, the young hawks continue to depend on their parents for food and guidance for some time.
They gradually learn to hunt and become more independent as they gain strength and skills.
Nest Construction
Red-tailed hawks build large stick nests, which they may use and refurbish year after year. The nests are typically constructed by both the male and female hawks.
The female is often more involved in arranging and lining the nest, while the male gathers and brings materials.
Eggs
A typical clutch consists of one to five eggs, with two eggs being the most common. The eggs are usually laid a day or two apart.
Fledging and Nestling Period
Once the eggs hatch, the nestlings are covered in white down.
Both parents are actively involved in feeding the nestlings and bringing prey items to the nest.
The nestling period lasts around 42 to 46 days, after which the young hawks fledge and begin to explore the area around the nest.
Status
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is not globally considered a species at risk, and its conservation status is generally secure. Red-tailed hawks have a widespread distribution throughout North America, and their adaptability to various habitats has contributed to their relatively stable population.
However, it’s important to note that conservation status can vary regionally, and specific populations or subspecies may face local threats or declines. Factors such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and illegal shooting can impact local populations.
To obtain the most current and region-specific information on the conservation status of red-tailed hawks, it is recommended to consult authoritative sources such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, national or regional wildlife agencies, and conservation organizations. These sources regularly assess and update the conservation status of species based on the latest research and observations.
Nest Built:
Axis P5655-E
Axis P1465-LE
Nest Tree
60ft
eggs laid
2ftx2ft
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