Red Shouldered Hawk

Description:

This is a medium sized hawk with red barring on its breast, dark brown and white wings, and a medium length tail with black and white bands. Adults can be between 17-24 inches in length with a 36-40 inch wingspan.

Habitat:

Inhabits forested areas where bodies of water, such lakes and streams, are nearby. Also found in urban areas.

Notes:

This is one of a pair we spotted on the way out to the playground. Fun Facts: 1. Red Shouldered hawks return yearly to the same nesting area. 2. The oldest female Red Shouldered hawk on record nearly 26 years of age. She was originally banded in 1974 and recaptured in 2000. 3. Young stay in the nest 5-7 weeks before venturing out on their own. Parents continue to feed their young for an additional 8-10 weeks after they have left the nest. Ref: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-... https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird...