The red-shouldered hawk is distinctively marked with rufous bars on the underparts and a strongly patterned tail that is black with narrow white bars. The rufous shoulder patches of adults are what give this species its name. Soaring individuals, lit from above, have a light crescent near the wingtips. Immature birds are brown above and pale below with variable amounts of brown streaking. The loud, descending keeyar-keeyar-keeyar call of this species is often imitated by blue jays.
Similar species: Red-tailed hawks (with their rusty brown tails) are larger than red-shouldered hawks and are a bit more common. Juvenile red-tails, which have brown tails with darker barring, can be confused with red-shouldered hawks. Broad-winged hawks are smaller, stockier, and browner, with rusty bars on the breast.
Length: 19 inches (tip of bill to tip of tail); wingspan 40 inches.
Statewide.
Habitat and Conservation
This hawk is generally associated with forests and near water, in places where the lower part of the forest canopy is fairly open, giving the perched hawk a good view of the ground for hunting. Sometimes also lives in suburban neighborhoods and parks, where sufficient woodland is nearby.
Food
Red-shouldered hawks usually forage from a perch, either within the forest or in open areas. They typically sit on tree branches, telephone poles, or fence posts and watch for movement on the ground. Once prey is sighted, they dive directly onto it or glide in from the side. Occasionally forage by flying low over open ground.
Their diet varies by region and season. Small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians make up the majority of their food, but insects and crustaceans (such as crayfish) are also eaten. Occasionally they take small birds, sometimes from bird feeders.
Status
As a permanent resident, uncommon in southern Missouri and rare in the north. In winter, more frequently seen in the Ozarks and forested parts of the Mississippi Lowlands. As a migrant, uncommon statewide and rare in the western quarter.
Life Cycle
Nests can be reused several years in a row and are usually built in deciduous trees, below the crown but in a main branch of the trunk, often near water, sometimes in suburban neighborhoods.
Both the female and the male construct (or refurbish) the nest out of sticks and line it with moss, leaves, bark, and other softer materials. A clutch comprises 2–5 eggs, which are incubated for a month to about 40 days. The young fledge about 40–50 days after hatching and are fed by parents for 8–10 more weeks. There is only 1 brood a year.
Human Connections
The biggest threat to this species is the clearing of their wooded habitat.
Ecosystem Connections
This hawk and other raptors help control the populations of the rodents and other animals they eat.
About 350 species of birds are likely to be seen in Missouri, though nearly 400 have been recorded within our borders. Most people know a bird when they see one — it has feathers, wings, and a bill. Birds are warm-blooded, and most species can fly. Many migrate hundreds or thousands of miles. Birds lay hard-shelled eggs (often in a nest), and the parents care for the young. Many communicate with songs and calls.