Red Tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis. Widespread and common, can be found in a variety of ecosystems all across North America. Some individuals may travel north for breeding or south for winters, but generally seen year-round. As a bird of prey, they eat a varied diet of small mammals, birds, reptiles, or whatever else they can find and catch. Hawks are often perched up high while looking for food, angling themselves so they can best see reflections of urine trails from prey due to their ability to see in the UV spectrum. Red Tailed Hawks are most identifiable by a dark band across their belly. This species is highly variable in plumage depending on where they live, some morphs even lacking the red tail. The call of this hawk is often used in place of the Bald Eagle in media and advertisements.
Also in this display case is the Krider's Hawk, which is a subspecies of the Red Tailed Hawk. Scientifically known as Buteo jamaicensis kriderii, the Krider’s hawk prefers prairie habitat. Their range extends from breeding in southern Canada and central-west U.S. and wintering in the Midwest and Southwest.
Also in this display case is the Krider's Hawk, which is a subspecies of the Red Tailed Hawk. Scientifically known as Buteo jamaicensis kriderii, the Krider’s hawk prefers prairie habitat. Their range extends from breeding in southern Canada and central-west U.S. and wintering in the Midwest and Southwest.