The Hawk bird is a woodland bird that can be seen throughout the United States. Hawks vary in their weight, height, feathers and diet based on the specific species of hawk bird. They are a necessary part of our natural ecosystem and therefore we need to protect and preserve the hawk bird.
Characteristics of the Hawk Bird
Generally, the hawk is a bird of prey, otherwise referred to as a raptor bird. They seize their food with the help of their sharp talons and keen senses. They nest high up in the trees, in nests made of basic sticks and twigs. They also have amazing eyesight with vision eight times stronger than that of humans, allowing them to spot prey from a great distance.
They are meat eaters and will kill their own food, as well as feast on the leftovers of others. One unique thing about hawk birds is how the common buzzard hawks work together to get their food. One hawk will serve to watch out for predators, like coyotes, while the others search below for grouse, rabbit, snakes, lizards and other birds to eat. By watching out for each other their increase their chances of survival and their success of hunting their prey.
The Red-tailed Hawk Bird
The red-tailed hawk is commonly found in the U.S. They are typically 18 inches long and have a wing span of approximately 48 inches. They have a hooked beak that is dark. Overall they are brown with a light colored under belly. Their loud, harsh screech can be heard for great distances. The red-tailed hawk prefers to live and feed in mountainous valleys, deserts and farm lands, and they will spend much of their time perched on phone poles, wires, fences and mountain peaks, where they can view the open land below and seek small animals for food. They can be seen on a drive through the county where there is a lot of open land. They sit perfectly still waiting for a rodent to show himself, then, with perfect timing, they swoop down and snatch what will soon become their dinner.
Saving the Hawk Bird
Hawk birds are sometimes shot for sport by eager hunters. But it is important that we protect these birds. They are important to the natural order of things and they help control the overpopulation of rodents. Anyone who lives in the country and has rodent problems would agree that having the hawk bird around is a welcome addition.
