What is the preferred style of hunting for Red-tailed hawks?

Red-tailed hawks are known for their hunting style that frequently involves perching on high structures, such as trees, utility poles, or fence posts. This behavior allows them to have a broad view of the surrounding land, giving them an advantage in spotting potential prey from a distance. Once they identify a target, they can launch into a dive from their perch, using their excellent eyesight to home in on small mammals, birds, and reptiles that make up a significant portion of their diet.

This hunting strategy also conserves energy, as soaring or low flying may require more constant movement and effort. While soaring at high altitudes is typical for other raptor species that cover vast distances in search of food, it is not the main hunting method for Red-tailed hawks. They are more opportunistic and tend to focus on areas where they can perch and spot prey effectively.

In summary, their reliance on perching for hunting is a defining characteristic of their hunting style, making it the preferred method for this species.