Fearsome
Predators: North American Hawks
by
Tommie Evans
In
North America there are many different birds of prey. The Northern
Harrier hawk and the Red- Shoulder hawk are known for their
fierceness.
The
Harrier Hawks is one of the most common hawks in North America. The
Harrier Hawk is also known as the Marsh Hawk because it lives near
wetlands and open fields. The male hawk is light grey and slightly
smaller than the female, who has brown coloration. Unlike most
species of hawks, the Harrier nests on the ground. Both the male and
female help feed the chick.
The
Harrier Hawk hunts by flying over one patch of ground until it spots
its prey. Then it drops down and snatches the animal with its talons.
The Harrier Hawk’s diet includes small birds, rodents, frogs and
reptiles.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is
less common. It lives in woodland areas near water and is typically
found in Florida and California. This hawk is usually one foot tall
and has a wingspan of three feet. It has black and white bands on its
tail and wings, and it gets its name from its red shoulder patch.
The
Red-shouldered Hawk builds its nest in tall trees and reuses the nest
every year. It defends its territory by circling high in the sky.
This long legged hawk eats small birds, small mammals, frogs and
crayfish.
Even though these hawks are known for being fierce predators, they
are also gentle with their mates and offspring.
[Source:
Simpson
Street Free Press
]
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