Red-tailed Hawk

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Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Date of admission: October 2, 2026.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.

Patient History:

Red-tailed hawks have a varied diet consisting primarily of small mammals, including mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They may also hunt snakes, other birds, and occasionally larger prey. Like many birds of prey, red-tailed hawks are skilled hunters with excellent eyesight that allows them to spot animals from high above the ground. Their broad wings help them soar on rising air currents while searching for food, and their strong feet and sharp talons allow them to capture and hold their prey. An interesting characteristic of red-tailed hawks is reverse sexual size dimorphism, meaning females are generally larger and heavier than males. This size difference is common among birds of prey, although the exact reasons it evolved are still being studied.

Red-tailed hawks are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, farmlands, and urban areas. They often perch on trees, fence posts, and telephone poles while watching for prey. Their ability to thrive in different environments has helped them remain widespread throughout North America. Red-tailed hawks are currently classified as a species of Least Concern globally, but they can still face threats from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and other human-related dangers. As predators, they play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by helping regulate populations of rodents and other small animals.

This red-tailed hawk arrived at AIWC after being struck by a vehicle, resulting in fractures to the right ulna and radius, along with minor muscle damage. The hawk underwent surgery, during which a pin was placed in the injured wing to stabilize the fractures and support the healing process. Due to the nature of the injury, the hawk requires physiotherapy twice a week to maintain mobility and range of motion in the wing throughout recovery. This ongoing care is essential to helping the hawk regain proper wing function and, hopefully, return to the wild once fully healed!