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D & D Wildlife Photography
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The Red-shouldered Hawk is dark above with rufous streaking, reddish patches on wrist and upper back give the appearance of "red shoulders". The underside is light with rufous barring on breast and belly. The tail is dark brown with 4 or 5 white bands and a white tip. The immature has less coloration at "shoulders" and a tail that is indistinctly barred. This raptor is known to soar and while soaring, a translucent crescent-shaped "window" can be seen. This window results from the absence of pigmentation at the base of the primaries. It is most apparent when the Red-shouldered Hawk is flying, wings outstretched, and lit from above by the sun. When soaring light can pass through this crescent shape – like light passing through a window.The nest is made of sticks, lined with greenery and bark, and placed in a crotch high in a tree, usually from three to ninety feet high. Red-shoulders reuse the same territory and nest if available in succeeding years. Lays one to four dull white eggs with dark marks.
Diet includes medium-sized snakes, amphibians and reptiles, small mammals, small birds, crayfish, and insects. Typically hunt alone, swooping down on prey from a perch located near water.
Length: 17 to 24 inches
Wingspan: 36 to 48 inches
Habitat: Woodlands and swamps, along river valleys and moist lowland woods.
Voice: A down-slurred scream often given in a series during displays near nest. During courtship the Red-shouldered Hawk can be one of the noisiest raptors. It screams a repeated "kee-yer," and its cries can be heard for miles.
Other Behavior: Birds return to same nesting area repeatedly; do roller-coaster flights and dives as displays.
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