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Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

A medium-sized raptor native to North America, characterized by distinctive reddish-brown shoulders and barred plumage. Inhabits dense woodlands and forest edges across eastern and western coastal regions of the United States.

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Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests, riparian woodlands, wooded swamps; ranges from southern Canada to Florida and parts of California, preferring areas with dense tree cover and proximity to water sources

Ecological Role

Key predator in forest ecosystems, controlling populations of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians; plays crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Distinctive reddish-brown shoulders, light and dark barred plumage, white and dark bands on tail
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong talons for grasping prey; broad, rounded wings optimized for maneuverability in forested environments
  • HEAD SENSORY Sharp, hooked beak for tearing prey; keen binocular vision with approximately 340-degree visual field, excellent depth perception
  • BODY STRUCTURE Medium-sized hawk, typically 43-61 cm in length, with wingspan of 0.9-1.1 meters, weighing 0.5-0.7 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Kaldari
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Related Species in Accipitridae