Red-tailed hawks are large birds of prey found throughout North America. They are easily recognized by their distinctive reddish-brown tails and broad wings. These hawks typically measure about 18 to 26 inches in length and have a wingspan of 3.3 to 4.8 feet. They prefer open areas like fields and deserts, where they can spot their prey from high perches. These birds primarily feed on small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents, but they will also eat birds and reptiles. Red-tailed hawks are known for their impressive hunting skills, often soaring high in the sky before diving down to catch their prey. Their adaptability makes them one of the most common hawks in the United States.