Bird
Red-tailed Hawk
Big wings, bigger voice
Where Red-tails Rule
Red-tailed hawks are commonly seen across Maine in the warmer months, with some staying year-round. Look for them soaring over open fields, meadows, clear-cuts, and perched along highways.
Hawk Highlights
That dramatic screech you hear in movies? That’s usually a red-tailed hawk, even when the bird on screen isn’t. Weighing under three pounds, they can lift more than their own body weight, though they rarely try. During courtship, pairs soar high together, calling back and forth, and males even pass prey to females mid-air. That’s true love.
Quick Facts
Average Size
From 1½-2 feet long with a wingspan of 3½-5 feet, red-tails are about the size of a great horned owl – wide-winged and made for effortless gliding.
What's on the Menu
Rats, rabbits, and ground squirrels make up most of the menu, with the occasional bird, snake, bat, or scavenged meal rounding things out.
The Look
Rounded wings, a brown back, and a pale belly marked with a dotted “vest.” Adults show off rusty red tail feathers – hard to miss once you know what to look for.
