Scarlet (Red-Shouldered Hawk)
Buteo lineatus
These hawks are
fairly long-winged and long-tailed.
Their tails are dark black with narrow white bands. They get their name from the reddish shoulders and
white barring which is visible from above and reddish wing linings from
below. They prefer moist, mixed
woodlands near streams or seasonal creeks.
They prey on snakes, rodents and small birds. These hawks are very vocal with a
distinctive, high pitched screaming call.
Scarlet was found as a juvenile
red-shouldered hawk struggling out in nature.
It is calm around people, so it makes a good exhibit bird.