The Rough-legged Hawk is a large, raptor that is native to North America. They typically lay 1-3 eggs per year, which are incubated by both parents. Their nests are made of sticks and can be quite large. Red-tailed Hawks mate for life and build nests high off the ground, often in tall trees or on cliff edges. Once they have identified a target, they swoop down to capture it with their powerful talons.

They are skilled hunters that typically sit on high perches and use their keen eyesight to spot potential prey. The intensity and pattern of their plumage can vary significantly based on their age and geographic location, as there are about 14 recognized subspecies of Red-tailed Hawks.Īs for their diet, Red-tailed Hawks are carnivores and have a broad diet that includes rodents, ground rabbits, reptiles, and other birds. Their feathers are generally dark brown on their dorsal side (back) with a lighter, often speckled, ventral side (front). However, juvenile hawks might not yet have this distinctive feature. This species is most easily recognized by its rich, rust-colored tail, which gives it its common name. They have a broad, rounded set of wings and a short, wide red tail.

Red-tailed Hawks have a robust size, ranging from 18 to 26 inches in length and sporting a wingspan that can exceed 4 feet. This species is part of the genus Buteo, which is often referred to as the “true hawks,” and includes more than two dozen species of raptors. The Red-tailed Hawk is a large bird of prey that is commonly found across North America. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Red-tailed Hawk scientific name They can often be seen soaring on thermals during the day, hardly flapping their wings, while looking for food. They roost together in large numbers and are known to even forage in groups. They typically lay two eggs, and both parents will incubate and care for the chicks.īlack Vultures are social birds that are often seen in large groups. Instead, they lay their eggs in sheltered areas like hollow trees, abandoned buildings, or thickets. Unlike most birds, Black Vultures are not known to build traditional nests. Black Vultures locate food using their excellent sense of sight and by following other vultures.

They are known to occasionally kill smaller, weakened animals, but such behavior is not the norm. These birds are scavengers and play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding primarily on carrion (dead animals). The Black Vulture is easily recognizable by their black plumage, short, square tail, and their bald black head. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Bald Eagle Īmerican Kestrel: Often found in open habitats like fields and pastures, this small falcon is widespread in Kentucky.Short-eared Owl: Prefers open grasslands and fields, and can often be seen in the Land Between the Lakes area. Northern Saw-whet Owl: This elusive owl is mainly found in dense forests in the eastern part of the state. Īmerican Barn Owl: These owls inhabit open farmland and fields, and are more likely to be seen in western Kentucky.Įastern Screech-Owl: Found throughout Kentucky, these owls prefer mixed forests and woodlands.īarred Owl: Common in Kentucky’s wooded areas, particularly in the Daniel Boone National Forest.Snowy Owl: A rare winter visitor in Kentucky, it’s mainly spotted in open, treeless areas. Great Horned Owl: A year-round resident, this owl is found throughout the state in woodlands and forests. Peregrine Falcon: Can be spotted in the urban areas of Louisville and Lexington where they nest on tall buildings. Sharp-shinned Hawk: Mostly seen during their migration, they prefer forested habitats. īroad-winged Hawk: A common summer resident, mostly in the forested areas of eastern Kentucky.Red-shouldered Hawk: Common in Kentucky’s wet forests, particularly in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ĭooper’s Hawk: This bird of prey prefers the woodlands of Kentucky and can be found in forests and suburban areas.Osprey: Often sighted near Kentucky’s large lakes and rivers during their migration periods. Rough-legged Hawk: These hawks are winter visitors in Kentucky and prefer open farmlands and fields. Red-tailed Hawk: Regularly seen in Kentucky’s open fields and highway edges, they are the most common hawk in the state. īlack Vulture: Widespread in Kentucky, these birds are particularly abundant in the western part of the state.Turkey Vulture: Commonly sighted throughout the state, they favor open areas like farmland and highways. 2 Where to Spot Kentucy’s Birds of Prey List of Birds of Prey in Kentuckyīald Eagle: These majestic birds are primarily found near large bodies of water in Kentucky, including the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Birds of prey list