VMN Banshee Reeks Chapter

Today we should mention a well known and often seen bird in our area, the Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). This hawk is one of the larger avian predators in our area, though it is smaller than the osprey and bald eagle. Identifiable by it's characteristic red or rufous colored tail feathers, it is often seen perched on power/telephone lines along roadways. Red-tailed hawks feed primarily on terrestrial species of small mammals, reptiles, and birds with food being taken up to a perch for feeding unless too large to carry.

Red-tailed hawks are widespread across North America and may be mistaken for black vultures when viewed soaring at a distance, though their white and speckled chest feathers are a clear identification mark. Most sightings are of single hawks, though seeing a noisy pair is a treat. In Loudoun you may also see an individual hawk being harassed by a group of crows or blue jays, as these smaller birds are quick to chase hawks out of their nesting areas.