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The red-tailed hawk, or Buteo jamaicensis, is the most common and widespread bird in mostly North America, and there are 2.3 million in population. They usually live between 12 and 21 years and are found in the countryside, woodlands, mountains, plains, and roadsides. The birds are known for effortless soaring and are often seen on roadside poles or sailing over fields and woods. Red-tailed hawks usually have a trademark reddish-brown tail but can also have black, brown, and white plumage. When feeding they usually swoop down on their prey at a top speed of 64 km/h. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and ground squirrels. They also control mammals and rodents that eat farmers’ crops. The red-tailed hawks are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and can’t be hunted or bothered. All Rights Reserved.