Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Red-tailed Hawk, immature - Mojave Desert, CA
© Tom Benson
Red-tailed Hawk, adult - San Bernardino, CA
© Brad Singer
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common, year-round breeding resident on campus. There is probably only one pair on campus, but they are often seen soaring over the hills surrounding campus or perched on utility poles or Coussoulis Arena. They also occasionally nest in the large trees (e.g., Eucalyptus or pine) on campus. The Red-tailed Hawk is a common breeding resident in southern California.
High Count: 5, Average Count: 1-2
Adult Red-tailed Hawks can be identified by their large size, brown head and upperparts, white throat and underparts, and rusty red tail. Juveniles or immatures are similar to adults but have white tail with narrow brown barring. In flight, all Red-tailed Hawks show a dark leading edge to the underside of the wing. This is the most common large hawk in southern California at any time of year.