Members of the Buteo group of Hawks, which includes the Broad-Winged Hawk, these large birds of prey are valued by falconers for their calm temperament. Like most raptors, the female is larger than the male.

Note the large talons and beak! They can inflict serious injury. Like all birds of prey, these Hawks can be dangerous and should not be handled except by experienced Wildlife Specialists.

Many times these birds are hit by cars while feeding on roadkill. This female Red-Tailed Hawk came to us paralyzed with a back injury, but made a full recovery. She did not like having her picture taken!