. Birds in Kansas. Birds -- Kansas Identification. 152 BIRDS IN KANSAS. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin) Status: The Red-tailed Hawk is most common in eastern Kansas and becomes progressively less common to the west, where it is largely restricted to watercourses. Its numbers are greatly augmented during migration and in winter by individuals from farther north and west. Period of Occurrence: In most areas, the species is present all year. Breeding: Red-tailed Hawks are early nesters, and many nests are occupied by mid- or late February. Johnston (1964) gives 5 March as the modal dat
. Birds in Kansas. Birds -- Kansas Identification. 152 BIRDS IN KANSAS. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin) Status: The Red-tailed Hawk is most common in eastern Kansas and becomes progressively less common to the west, where it is largely restricted to watercourses. Its numbers are greatly augmented during migration and in winter by individuals from farther north and west. Period of Occurrence: In most areas, the species is present all year. Breeding: Red-tailed Hawks are early nesters, and many nests are occupied by mid- or late February. Johnston (1964) gives 5 March as the modal date for egg laying. The nest is a large structure of sticks lined with strips of bark. It is usually placed in the crotch of a large tree from 20 to 50 feet above ground. Red-tailed Hawks may also nest on rock ledges and cliff faces. A nest may be used more than once. The two to three eggs are white, or bluish white, with sparse brownish spotting. Most incubation is by the female, but the male brings her food and shares the care of the young. The incubation period is about 28 days, and the young fledge in four to five weeks. Habits and Habitat: This species is the most common and widespread large hawk throughout the eastern half of the state. Its habit of using utility poles along highways and roads as hunting perches increases its visibility and apparent abundance. Such birds usually feed on the small mammals and reptiles which occur along roadsides, but various road-killed vertebrates are also scavenged. Early in the nesting season, the birds are very noisy and spend much time soaring lazily in circles. Field Marks: From below, soaring adults are easily identified by wing shape, their light underparts, and their red-brown tail. During winter, the numerous hawks migrating from more northern localities present major identification problems. Some melanistic individuals appear jet black from a distance, while others (of the race krideri) are so pale that they appear almost white. M
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