Buteo lineatus

Buteo lineatus, though declining in some areas, remains one of the most common hawks in the United States. Preferring a forest habitat, the Red-Shouldered Hawk is most often found in coniferous woods near water. Surveying from a prominent perch, it dives down to the ground or the surface of water to snatch its prey, which may include amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, crayfish, or (most times) small mammals.

Though common, the majesty of this raptor cannot be easily denied when one observes its habits and stunning plumage.

Only in California have I seen this species, and many times at that. Being in Florida now, I didn't recognize this Buteo at first, for the subspecies here is much paler and grayer overall. Eric and I watched it for a time as it dove from a short perch to the ground, where it hopped around and grabbed tiny prey with its sharp talons. I felt privileged to watch it work so delicately with such lethal equipment.