Rosa is a juvenile, female red tailed hawk.
She does not yet have the tell tale red tail that these hawks are known for, but will get it at around age two. She weighs a little under three pounds. The wingspan of a red-tailed hawk is about forty-eight to fifty-four inches. Rosa was found in the parking lot of Rosa's Pizza in summer, 2010, after being struck by a car. She suffered some head trauma that compromised her vision, preventing release.
Red tailed hawks are buteos- hawks that have broad, rounded wings
and broad tails.They soar high above grasslands and agricultural areas looking for prey.You may also see them high on a treetop, a telephone pole, or other tall lookout. They prey mainly on rodents, ground squirrels, rabbits, and reptiles.
Red Tailed hawks are the most abundant and widespread hawks in North America and will have many plumage
variations.
They build nests in trees and on cliffs, and many times a new nest must be built as Great Horned Owls will often take over hawk nests. Red Tailed hawks have one to three eggs that incubate for about a month. The young birds can start flying when they are about six to seven weeks old.
Some Red Tailed hawks migrate to the southern part of the U.S. in the winter, while others may stay in Montana, especially if the winter is mild and food sources are abundant.
Report an Injured Raptor Quickly!
MRCC:(406) 585-1211
All West Veterinary (Dr. Karyn Cook):
(406) 586-4919
MT Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
(406) 994-4042
Montana Raptor Conservation Center