North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Red-shouldered Hawk
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: RSHA (1)
Buse à épaulettes
Buteo lineatus
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a medium sized buteo, larger than the Broad-winged Hawk but smaller than the Swainson's or Red-tailed Hawks. Most likely to prey upon insects, frogs, snakes and the odd small bird. Prefers lowlands with wet areas, bordering water or swamps, where it will perch on a limb and drop down unto its unsuspecting prey.
Distinctions: Adults are similar in appearance, the male being the larger of the two. This is different from most buteo species. Mature birds have rufous and brown bodies, rufous shoulders, rufous ranges from light colouring to deeper colours, depending in what areas of North America it is seen. There are at least four, maybe five sub-species. When seen flying, clear undistinguished spots show on outer portions of the underwings. Checkered patterns seen over the larger area of the wings. Multiple white tail bands. Assumes a vertical stance when seen perched, more so than other buteos. Juvenile different from adults, lighter coloured plumage and not as pronounced in markings.
Voice: Multiple call notes, one or two syllable calls, followed by a number of repeated but different two syllable call notes. It is the most vocal buteo in its group.
Nesting: Two to three bluish off white, brown spotted eggs, one brood per year. Nest built in mature trees, high above the ground, usually deciduous in nature, located in a low lying area, with standing water nearby. Built from branches, sticks, twigs, leaves and softer materials, such as grasses.
Life, Habitat and Pictures of North American Hawks
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17" 43.2cm | 40" 101.6cm | 1.4lb. 635g | Accipitridae | Buteo lineatus |
North American Bird Calls
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- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Seen in New Brunswick, through to western Ontario, and into the mid-northern states, south into the eastern half of Texas, east to the tip of Florida. There is a separate population west of the Sierra Mountain chain in California. Overall numbers doing okay, population appears stable.
Reference to Other Bird Site:
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.