Red-Tailed Hawk

Description:

Because they are so common and easily trained as capable hunters, the majority of hawks captured for falconry in the United States are Red-tails. Falconers are permitted to take only passage hawks (which have left the nest, are on their own, but are less than a year old) so as to not affect the breeding population. Adults, which may be breeding or rearing chicks, may not be taken for falconry purposes and it is illegal to do so. Passage red-tailed hawks are also preferred by falconers because these younger birds have not yet developed adult behaviors, which will make training substantially more challenging.

Notes:

I picked this poor bird up on the side of the road after it had been hit by a car. Please, do not do this unless you are trained to handle raptors. I handled this raptor with bare hands because I had no other choice and I am also experienced. It is very dangerous and should be used as a last resort. Right now it's in great shape and appears like it was just stunned. Thank goodness! Sonoma, CA. Picture taken with my phone from a top view.