Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

DESCRIPTION: L=22" (56cm), WS=50" (127cm). Color pattern extremely variable, from very light to black. Reddish upper tail with paler red undertail, most easily seen when landing or soaring. Call is distinctive "keeeer", frequently heard in western movies.
NATURAL HISTORY: Most commonly seen large hawk around Tucson (and the U.S.). Diet mostly rodents, but also includes rabbits and other animals. Red-tailed Hawks are monogamous and frequently nest on saguaro limbs in our area.