A red-tailed hawk is named for the reddish color of its tail. Its wingspan is about 4 feet.

Red-tailed hawks live across North America. They also live in Central America. They like open land with high places to perch.

A red-tailed hawk does most of its hunting from a perch. Hawks are often seen on poles and signs beside roads.

A red-tailed hawk has excellent eyesight. It can spot a mouse from 100 feet up in the air.

Red-tailed hawks are active during the day. A red-tailed hawk dives down. A red-tailed hawk grabs its food in its talons.

Red-tailed hawks eat mostly small mammals, such as mice. They also eat reptiles and other birds.

Red-tailed hawks make big nests of sticks. Red-tailed hawk nests are high up in trees. A female lays one to five eggs.

Both red-tailed hawk parents care for their chicks.

Words to know

• perch: high seat
• wingspan: wing width
• talons: sharp claws
• mammals: furry animals