BIRDS OF PREY 189 



RED-TAILED HAWK 



The Red-tailed Hawk inhabits the entire North Amer- 

 ican continent, but ornithologists have divided the species 

 into several forms. The Pacific Coast representative is 

 called the western red-tailed, while the bird inhabiting the 

 great plains, northward into Canada, is known as Krider's 

 hawk. 



In eastern North America the red-tailed is one of our 

 best-known raptors. In many sections of the middle United 

 States it is resident the year around, not being averse to 

 cold weather if food is plentiful. 



The broad-square tail, with upper tail coverts a bright 

 rufous, may be seen when the birds are soaring far above 

 the treetops. Like the broad-winged hawk, the red-tail's 

 call note is a whistle, though the birds are not noisy, like 

 the red-shouldered hawk. He is the largest of the common 

 hawks and one of the most beneficial, deserving full protec- 

 tion, as he preys upon rats, squirrels, and other small 

 rodents and reptiles. Occasionally one may take a bird, but 

 the benefit to the agriculturist far exceeds any havoc which 

 these birds cause to poultry or other birds. The name " hen 

 hawk," or chicken hawk, frequently applied to this bird, is 

 entirely unjust. 



The nests are built late in March or early in April. The 

 largest trees in the upland timber appeal to the birds as 

 suitable nesting sites. An immense nest of twigs, sod, and 

 hay, with a lining of smaller twigs, is constructed, usually 

 in a crotch near the main trunk or on one of the largest 



