Birdland

Thrilling, Raspy Scream of the Red-Tailed Hawk

It’s one of three species sometimes referred to as a “chickenhawk” – though Red-Tailed Hawks rarely prey on chickens. They are commonly seen soaring above open fields, or in woods with nearby open land, slowly turning circles on broad, rounded wings. Most Red-Tailed Hawks are rich brown above and pale below, with streaked bellies. A dark bar appears between their shoulder and wrist, on the underside wing, Their tails are cinnamon-red. Their call is a distinctive harsh, descending keeeeer. This raptor was photographed at Bluff Lake Wildlife Refuge, about four miles east of Park Hill.  Photograph by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein