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Description
A clear, whistling call ringing out across a tall eastern deciduous woodland is a telltale sign of this buteo raptor. The Red-Shoulder is a hawk of the woodlands, preferring densely forested areas near rivers and swamps alike. Open areas are less preferrable for this hawk, but they may hunt in open fields during the winter.
Watching from a forested perch, the Red-Shouldered Hawk suddenly swoops in when it locates prey. Voles, chipmunks, and other small mammals make up the mainstay of its diet. Though frogs, reptiles, small birds, and even diving in for aquatic prey such as fish and crayfish aren't ever off the menu for this hawk. Though, it's small talons prevent the Red-Shoulder from hunting larger prey, such as grouse or hares.
While they may prefer rural forest, Red-Shouldered hawks have become more accustomed to human presence. They can be seen in suburbs and some urban settings. And, while not as common threats as Cooper's or Sharp-Shinned Hawks, the Red-Shouldered Hawk may occasionally begin to stalk backyard bird feeders, attracted by the congregation of tasty small birds. Blue jays have been known to imitate the Red-Shoulder's call near perfectly.

Description
A clear, whistling call ringing out across a tall eastern deciduous woodland is a telltale sign of this buteo raptor. The Red-Shoulder is a hawk of the woodlands, preferring densely forested areas near rivers and swamps alike. Open areas are less preferrable for this hawk, but they may hunt in open fields during the winter.
Watching from a forested perch, the Red-Shouldered Hawk suddenly swoops in when it locates prey. Voles, chipmunks, and other small mammals make up the mainstay of its diet. Though frogs, reptiles, small birds, and even diving in for aquatic prey such as fish and crayfish aren't ever off the menu for this hawk. Though, it's small talons prevent the Red-Shoulder from hunting larger prey, such as grouse or hares.
While they may prefer rural forest, Red-Shouldered hawks have become more accustomed to human presence. They can be seen in suburbs and some urban settings. And, while not as common threats as Cooper's or Sharp-Shinned Hawks, the Red-Shouldered Hawk may occasionally begin to stalk backyard bird feeders, attracted by the congregation of tasty small birds. Blue jays have been known to imitate the Red-Shoulder's call near perfectly.