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ALFREDO AZCARATE VARELA
THE BAJA POST/EDITOR
Residents of Valle del Pedregal in Mexicali reported the presence of an eagle. Municipal Police located the bird, which was brown in color and approximately 50 centimeters tall and unable to fly. They captured it and took it to Bosque de la Ciudad, where it is now being safeguarded and protected.
Upon closer inspection at Bosque de la Ciudad, it was determined that the bird was a Red-tailed Hawk. It is unknown who the bird belonged to or how it ended up in this popular neighborhood in eastern Mexicali. It appears that it will remain a permanent guest of the zoo at Bosque de la Ciudad.
What is a Red-tailed Hawk?
The Red-tailed Hawk has the scientific name Buteo jamaicensis. This bird is found in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas. It prefers places with open areas where it can perch on high spots like utility poles and cliffs.
Behavior
- Hunting: Mainly hunts during the day, using its sharp vision to spot prey from considerable heights. Its typical prey includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally insects.
- Nesting: Builds large nests out of branches and leaves in tall trees or cliffs. The female usually lays 1 to 5 eggs per season.
- Migration: Although many populations of Red-tailed Hawks are permanent residents in their habitats, some populations migrate seasonally, especially those in the northern parts of their range.
Distribution
The Red-tailed Hawk is found in North America, from Alaska and Canada to Central America. They have also been seen in some parts of the Caribbean and have adapted well to diverse habitats.
