Red-tailed Hawk Watching in Oregon

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the more common birds found in Oregon. They sometimes share the nickname Chickenhawk, but their prey tends to be rodents and other small animals. The varieties found in Oregon tend to have a light underbelly and a dark back, though the tail is consistent, generally darker red on top and more of a pink below. Their long and raspy scream is one of the easier ways to indentify them.Red-tailed hawks generally don't migrate so their population in Oregon remains fairly consistent throughout the year. As with most all birds, it's usually best to go looking for them in the early morning hours or in the evening, and good binoculars or a spotting scope will make a big difference.

Habitats for Red-tailed Hawks

The Red-tailed Hawk prefers to live in an area that has both a forest and also open fields, which is a common combination in Oregon so they are among the easiest birds to spot on a consistent basis. They are commonly found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge among other places in the area, and they are one of the species that actively breed in Oregon.

Best seasons to see Red-tailed Hawks in Oregon

Red-tailed Hawks usually live all year round in their Oregon habitats, so you can usually find them whenever you look, but of course late spring through early fall will offer the best weather with consistently clear days.

Red-tailed Hawks in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Areas with forests and fields nearby
Seasons: All year round
Abundance: Common – species likely to be seen or heard in suitable habitat

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