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Range
Eastern half of the
United States, from southern Canada to Florida. Also
found in west coast states.
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Size
| Length |
15-19
inches |
| Wingspan |
46-42 inches |
| Weight |
1- 1.5 lbs |
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Habitat
Woods, sometimes quite close to human habitation.
Usually nests near running water. Diet includes salamanders,
snakes, etc.
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Diet
Small mammals such as mice and voles; salamanders,
snakes, frogs, small birds.
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Characteristics
Common resident hawk in Virgina. Will fly through
the woods watching for prey, but will also hunt from a
limb. Fly with a gull-winged look as they cut between
the trees. Like to forage near running water for prey.
Believed to form pair bonds, and often return to the same
territory and nest for many years. Nests are usually in
an oak tree about 50 feet up, and often very near a house.
Pairs and young can be quite vocal during nesting, and
will defend nest area from humans, Red-shoulder juvenile
plumage resembles that of a Cooper's Hawk juveniles; Red-shoulders
get their adult reddish shoulder patch and black and white
tail bands in their second year. Along with Cooper's Hawks,
this is the hawk most often seen by people and reported
as a "big" hawk. |
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