THUNDER BAY – Livestream broadcast of a Red Tailed Hawk nest. The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey, one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the “chickenhawk,” though it rarely preys on standard sized chickens.
It breeds throughout most of North America, from western Alaska and northern Canada to as far south asPanama and the West Indies, and is one of the most common buteos in North America.
Raptors are found in many areas across North America, and like areas with cliffs, and high places. In many cities there are raptors who nest on the ledges of tall buildings. In many urban settings, the raptors are instrumental in keeping pigeon populations down.
In Thunder Bay, along the Nor’Western Mountain Escarpment, there are Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles. Along with a growing awareness of cougar sightings, not to mention deer and moose.
In Thunder Bay there is great concern as the Nor’Westers, home to so much wildlife is now threatened by a proposed wind farm.
Ontario has recently removed the peregrine falcon from the Endangered Species list.
Red-tailed Hawks can acclimate to all the biomes within their range.
There are fourteen recognized subspecies, which vary in appearance and range. It is one of the largest members of the genus Buteo in North America, typically weighing from 690 to 1600 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds) and measuring 45–65 cm (18 to 26 in) in length, with a wingspan from 110 to 145 cm (43 to 57 in).
The Red-tailed Hawk displays sexual dimorphism in size, with females averaging about 25% heavier than males. (Source: Wikipedia)
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