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Red Shoulder Hawk

Ibrahim

Classification 

Physical Description 

The Red Shoulder Hawk also called the hen hawk, chichen hawk, and winter hawk, are large, broad-winged hawks with a relatively long tail and heavy body. The females are larger than males. Adult red shoulderhawks have a brown head, a dark brown back and reddish underparts with dark brown streaks. Both adults and juveniles have reddish wings.

Diet and Feeding Habits:

 Reproduction:

Red-shouldered hawks have an unusual courtship ritual. They will fly together and occasionally roll over on their backs. They can be seen flying upside down for short distances! They build their nests high in the trees during the winter or early spring, and often decorate their nests with various green plants. Females usually lay two eggs which hatch in about one month. Both the male and female will incubate the eggs. Usually the young will leave the nest before they are a month and a half old.

Habitat: 

The Red Shoulder Hawk resides in the eastem half of the United States and Western California. It lives in the forests with open understory, especially bottomland hardwood, and flooded swamps.

Role in the Ecosystem:

The hawk plays an important role in the forest ecosystem. It is a carnivore that eats land verterbrates. The Red-shouldered hawks compete with other large birds, including golden eagles. They provide food for their predators; primarily great horned owls and raccoons. They also host at least one blood parasite and several external parasites.

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