Watercolor portrait of Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis
Year-round throughout most of the United… Open areas with patches of woods Very common Piercing scream

Learn to identify the Red-tailed Hawk by ear. Master the "kreeeee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kreeeee”

What the Red-tailed Hawk sounds like

A large broad-winged hawk. Typically brown above and pale below with a streaked "belly band." Adults usually show a brick-red tail (visible from above). Plumage varies widely (light, dark, and rufous morphs exist), but in most of North America, adults have whitish underparts with dark streaks across the belly and a reddish dorsal tail. Juveniles lack the red tail (their tail is brown with dark bands). Often seen soaring over fields or perched along roads. Its raspy scream is famously used as the generic raptor sound in films.

“kreeeee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A harsh, descending scream "keeeeer" lasting 2–3 seconds. This iconic raptor call serves as its territorial/alert signal. Often given while soaring or when perched if an intruder is present. It's raspy and loud, one of the most recognizable bird calls in North America. Often written as “kreeeee”.
Don't confuse with:The Swainson's Hawk — swainson's hawks (in the west) have longer, more slender wings and typically a dark bib on the chest with a pale belly (light morph).

Lessons featuring the Red-tailed Hawk

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Red-tailed Hawk's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Hawk Hotline lesson habitat
Hawk Hotline
Tier 4 · Songbirds & Sky Watch
Sky 'Kee' Clinic lesson habitat
Sky 'Kee' Clinic
Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes
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Where you'll hear it

Open areas with patches of woods. Found in deserts, grasslands, farm fields, pastures, roadsides, savannas, and any region with open ground for hunting and elevated perches (trees, poles) for observing prey. Nests in tall trees or on cliff ledges. Very adaptable: commonly seen in rural and suburban settings, from prairies to city outskirts. Avoids only very dense forests or wetlands without openings.

Breeding season begins in late winter with courtship flights (circling and swooping, and pairs diving together). They build large stick nests (often reused each year) by early spring and lay eggs by March or April. Chicks fledge in summer. In fall, juveniles disperse, and northern populations migrate. During winter, pairs may stay on territory or only loosely defend it. By late winter, pairs reform and begin aerial displays again. Red-tails are generally diurnal hunters but can hunt from perches from dawn to dusk year-round. Their iconic screech is heard mainly during breeding and territorial interactions.

Similar species

Swainson's Hawk

Swainson's Hawks (in the West) have longer, more slender wings and typically a dark bib on the chest with a pale belly (light morph).

Rough-legged Hawk

A winter visitor hawk of open country. Light morph Rough-legged Hawks have a white tail base with a broad dark band near the tip (no red tail) and often a dark belly patch; they also have feathered legs.

Red-tailed Hawk sound FAQ

What does a Red-tailed Hawk sound like?
A harsh, descending scream "keeeeer" lasting 2–3 seconds. This iconic raptor call serves as its territorial/alert signal. Often given while soaring or when perched if an intruder is present. It's raspy and loud, one of the most recognizable bird calls in North America. Listen for the "kreeeee" phrase.
How do I tell a Red-tailed Hawk from a Swainson's Hawk by sound?
Swainson's Hawk: Swainson's Hawks (in the West) have longer, more slender wings and typically a dark bib on the chest with a pale belly (light morph).; Adults have a brown (not red) tail with thin bands. They also migrate completely out of North America in winter.; Red-tailed is bulkier with a shorter tail and always shows the dark patagial marks on wings (Swainson's does not)..
When is the best time to hear a Red-tailed Hawk?
Breeding season begins in late winter with courtship flights (circling and swooping, and pairs diving together). They build large stick nests (often reused each year) by early spring and lay eggs by March or April. Chicks fledge in summer. In fall, juveniles disperse, and northern populations migrate. During winter, pairs may stay on territory or only loosely defend it. By late winter, pairs reform and begin aerial displays again. Red-tails are generally diurnal hunters but can hunt from perches from dawn to dusk year-round. Their iconic screech is heard mainly during breeding and territorial interactions.