The red-tailed hawk can be found all over the United States. It makes its home in a wide range of places. It may live in a forest, in the plains or in the desert. You can find it in suburban areas, too.

A red-tailed hawk is easily spotted on top of telephone poles and trees. The red-tailed hawk is large and sturdy. It keeps the same mate for many years. Both parents take care of the young. They like to nest in tall trees.

The red-tailed hawk can live for a long time. Records show it can live for 20 years or more.

The red-tailed hawk eats a variety of foods. It likes small rodents. It also eats large mammals such as the cottontail rabbit.