Raptors

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A large, broad-winged hawk best known for its brick-red tail in adults. The Harlan's subspecies, common in Alaska, is darker overall and may lack the classic red tail.

Current regional viewing notes

Open areas, forest clearings, and roadsides near Hoonah; soars over meadows and muskeg.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Open country with scattered trees, forest edges, and clearings.

Diet

Small mammals such as voles and squirrels; also birds, snakes, and large insects.

Natural history note

The Red-tailed Hawk's raspy scream is the default "eagle cry" used in movies and TV — it is almost always dubbed over footage of Bald Eagles.