What immediate action should you take if your red-tailed hawk is bleeding from the mouth?

When a red-tailed hawk is bleeding from the mouth, the most appropriate immediate action is to keep the bird warm and quiet, and take it to the vet. This approach is critical for several reasons.

First, bleeding from the mouth can indicate a serious underlying issue such as trauma or ingestion of toxic materials. Immediate professional assessment is necessary to determine the cause and treat it effectively. In the wild, a bird exhibiting signs of distress is more vulnerable to predation, so providing a calm and warm environment helps to minimize stress until veterinary assistance can be received.

Additionally, heat can help stabilize the bird's condition, as birds can experience shock or hypothermia if they are stressed or injured. Keeping the bird quiet also reduces the likelihood of further injury or panic, which could exacerbate the bleeding or cause additional harm.

While first aid can be beneficial in some situations, the complex anatomy and potential for serious injuries associated with avian species like hawks often require specialized veterinary care that exceeds basic first aid capabilities. Therefore, the priority is to ensure the bird is transported safely and promptly to a veterinarian who can provide the necessary care and treatment.