Kee-yah, kee-yah!
Often observed perching in trees at edges of clearings, the Red-shouldered Hawk is usually seen near water. It is vocal with crescents shown across its outer primaries, which is used as one feature of identification. Checked flight feathers are also another identifying characteristic. It is not usually seen in the same habitat as the Red-tailed Hawk, yet there are exceptions to the rule.
The three subspecies are very distinctive, which includes the California, Florida, and Eastern. The California has a solid orange breast, the Eastern has orange bars, and the Florida is much paler as adults. The brown juvenile is streaked below and very similar to the Broad-winged Hawk.
Eastern Red-shouldered Hawk
Boomer Lake Park, 2016
The most distinctive signage is the red shoulder patch, or epaulet, and it is often the most common hawk in its habitat, where it hunts in swamps, coves, agricultural areas with plenty of trees, and riparian woodlands. Sedentary like other buteos they soar while hunting or from a low perch where it will drop to capture its prey.
Mouse hawks consume a protein-rich diet of small mammals and birds, frogs, reptiles, snails, etc.
They are migratory in northern regions, and are on the breeding grounds by February or March. They will head south in October or November, generally wintering in Mexico.
Eastern Red-shouldered Hawk
Boomer Lake Park, 2016
Nesting is done in tall trees, usually nearest the tree trunk, and they prefer hardwoods, though pines can suffice in a pinch. They use platform nests with twigs, lined with lighter substrate and feathers.
A popular breeding bird of Oklahoma, the red-bellied hawk is usually up for photographic opportunities. Also nicknamed winter hawk, hen hawk, red-shouldered buzzard, and a few others depending upon regional locales.
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