![]() They generally prefer open, treeless areas and will roost on a lone tree in the area or even a utility pole. This species is considered to be “threatened” due to habitat loss and hunting. They can be spotted between late September and April in grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, and low foothills in Southwestern California. Ferruginous Hawkįar less common than the Red-tailed Hawk, the Ferruginous Hawk does use Southern California as a wintering destination. Red-tailed Hawks have distinctive screeches that will help you identify them as well. Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk with that distinctive brown and white banding Young Red-tailed Hawks stay with their parents for about 10-12 weeks and generally fledge (begin to fly) around 45 days. Red-tailed hawks tend to lay 2-3 white eggs with brown spots at a time. Red tailed-Hawks are excellent co-parents and work together to build their nest, incubate the eggs, and raise their young. They generally lose their banded (or striped) tails when they are about 18 months old. Juveniles have lighter chests and their tails have evenly spaced brown and white bars on them. There is an exception to the “red tail rule”. Red-tailed Hawks eat a wide variety of rodents, rabbits, lizards, snakes, insects, and even fish! You will often see them perched on fence posts, telephone poles, or soaring high above showing off those red tails. The signature red tail of a Red-tailed Hawk in flight They are commonly seen throughout Southern California, from the coastline to the desert, and in both wild and urban areas. It is also one of the easiest birds of prey to identify thanks to its signature red tail, though sometimes the tail does have a grayish tone. One of the most common hawks in Southern California is the Red-tailed Hawk. Red-Tailed Hawk Darker morphed Red-tail Hawk 8 Hawks in Southern California and How to Identify Them 1. Here is our full guide to all 34 California birds of prey. I have also included lots of pictures and distinguishing characteristics to help you identify these incredible birds. Here are eight hawks in Southern California that you might spy when hiking, camping, or simply walking your neihgborhood. These special birds are truly wonderous to watch, and an important part of our ecosystem. I have been a huge fan of identifying birds of prey ever since I took a class on Captive Raptor Management at UC Davis many moons ago. If you have recently seen a magnificent bird of prey soaring above you and wondered what it was, I am here to help! Look up! There are lots of hawks in Southern California, and spotting one is always a thrill.
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