Red Tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed hawks are found coast to coast in the U.S. and
as far south as Argentina. They are accomplished gliders, often
circling for hours on the thermal air currents,staying aloft yet
using very little energy. They are good hunters with the combination
of powerful talons and sharp curved beak. Their eyesight is amazing.
Hawks are able to spot field mice and other small mammals from
hundreds of feet in the air. They can't see color so this makes them
very good at seeing movement.
Without the distraction of all the extra information it makes them better hunters. This is also insight as to why a frightened rabbit stands incredibly still. A brown rabbit in green grass is virtually invisible to a hawk as long as it is motionless. The hawks are commonly seen sitting on perches above open,grassy areas. Made distinctive because of their size - 20 inches tall and they're aptly named "red tail". Although the immature birds have a banded tail much like numerous other hawks.
Red-Tailed hawks are on exhibit outdoors along the wildlife path near the museum's lower pond.