Male and female plumage similar. Red-tailed Hawks come in a variety of color phases � see the Sibley Guide to Birds to view examples of 'light', 'intermediate', and 'dark' phases. Diagnostic features include a 'belly' band � a band of darker colored feathers across a lighter back ground on the belly. The 'red' tail is more of a rich Rufous color, but is also variable in color. When viewed in flight, wings have a two-toned appearance with the leading edge of the wings darker in color and the trailing edge lighter. Juveniles are lighter overall, adults tend to be brown overall � darker on the topside, lighter on the underside.

Male and female plumage similar. Red-tailed Hawks come in a variety of color phases � see the Sibley Guide to Birds to view examples of 'light', 'intermediate', and 'dark' phases. Diagnostic features include a 'belly' band � a band of darker colored feathers across a lighter back ground on the belly. The 'red' tail is more of a rich Rufous color, but is also variable in color. When viewed in flight, wings have a two-toned appearance with the leading edge of the wings darker in color and the trailing edge lighter. Juveniles are lighter overall, adults tend to be brown overall � darker on the topside, lighter on the underside.

Common

A bird of prey. Like all broad-winged hawks, Red-tailed Hawks spend a lot of time sitting on an elevated, exposed perch, such as a telephone pole or in a snag. They also spend a lot of time aloft as they search for food. Hunting strategy is to find prey while in flight and dive down on its prey.

Small mammals, birds, reptiles

Other broad-winged hawks such as Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk.

No-one best place. This species is common in all habitat types and should be easy to find regardless of where you are.