Red-shouldered hawks, Buteo lineatus, are most vocal in the spring. Listen for their distinct sound in forests and neighborhoods with large trees. Look for them sitting silently on perches below the canopy of the trees. You may see them on streetlights or tall fences in neighborhoods. Watch as they fly low or swoop down to catch a reptile, amphibian, or small mammal. Voles, mice, rats, squirrels, snakes, large insects, and an occasional bird at your bird feeder are some of the dietary choices for Red-shouldered hawks.
Mated pairs build their nest 35 – 65’above ground in the sturdy fork of a tree. The nest, which may be used more than one season, is constructed of sticks and other found materials. It may be lined with moss, bark, and fresh spring greens. The female is most responsible for incubating the couple’s 2 to 5 eggs while the male hunts and brings food to the female. Once the chicks are born, the male continues to bring food and the female feeds the young for 1 -3 weeks. At 5 – 7 weeks, the young leave the nest and the parents continue to feed them for up to 10 more weeks.
Red-shouldered hawks are common in Florida, however, the continued loss of habitat due to urbanization is a concern.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
