Name derivation:

The red shouldered hawk's scientific name "Bueto lineatus" is derived from the Latin words "bueto", referring to a hawk or falcon, and "lineatus", referring to the hawks striped tail.

Size:

Average length-17in. Average wingspan-3 1/2ft. Average weight-1 to 2lb.

Physical features:

The red shoulderd hawk has a head of white feathers, reand black dappled shoulders, mixed white and black wings, white and black striped tail, a short hooked yellow and blacked tiped beak, and razor sharp claws.

Habitat:

Preffering mature mixed deciduous and coniferous forests in coastal regions the Red shouldered hawk can be found in moast all of the Eastrn United States and western California. This hawk of the coast has a high adaptability to uban areas and can also be found along river banks and open clearings.