red-tailed hawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized (Ornithology, Nature, General Knowledge)
Quick answer
What does “red-tailed hawk” mean?
A large bird of prey, Buteo jamaicensis, widespread across North America, named for its distinctive reddish-brown tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large bird of prey, Buteo jamaicensis, widespread across North America, named for its distinctive reddish-brown tail.
In ornithology, a common raptor species; symbolically, a representation of wild nature or keen observation in North American culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to North America, not the British Isles. The term is therefore far more common and understood in American English. In British contexts, it would be a specific ornithological term.
Connotations
In American English, it can evoke imagery of the American West, open skies, and wilderness. In British English, it is a foreign species name with neutral, technical connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in relevant American contexts (wildlife, nature); very low frequency in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “red-tailed hawk” in a Sentence
The [red-tailed hawk] soared [above the field].We saw a [red-tailed hawk] perched [on the fence post].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red-tailed hawk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used attributively] The red-tailed hawk population is stable.
American English
- We heard the classic red-tailed hawk screech in the film.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in brand names (e.g., 'Red-Tailed Hawk Consulting') to imply sharp vision or dominance.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, and ornithology papers describing species distribution, behaviour, or physiology.
Everyday
Used in North America by birdwatchers, hikers, or people describing wildlife they have seen.
Technical
Standard term in field guides, wildlife management, and zoological contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red-tailed hawk”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red-tailed hawk”
- Misspelling as 'red-tail hawk' (hyphenation error).
- Confusing it with other Buteo species like the red-shouldered hawk.
- Using 'hawk' generically when the specific species is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are different groups of birds of prey. Red-tailed hawks are in the Buteo genus (broad wings, often soar), while falcons (like peregrines) are in the Falconidae family (long, pointed wings, fast flight).
Its most famous call is a harsh, descending keeer-r-r scream. This sound is so iconic it is often used in film and TV for any eagle or hawk, even if the bird on screen is not a red-tail.
They are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada down to Panama. They inhabit open areas like fields, deserts, and roadsides, often seen perched on poles or trees.
No. They are wild predators that hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles but pose no threat to people. They will aggressively defend their nests if approached too closely.
A large bird of prey, Buteo jamaicensis, widespread across North America, named for its distinctive reddish-brown tail.
Red-tailed hawk is usually specialized (ornithology, nature, general knowledge) in register.
Red-tailed hawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdˌteɪld ˈhɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdˌteɪld ˈhɔk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly derived from the species name]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it by the key feature: its tail is RED. Think: 'Red in the tail, soaring on the gale.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A RED-TAILED HAWK IS A SENTINEL (e.g., 'The red-tailed hawk watched over the valley like a silent sentinel').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most distinctive identifying feature of a red-tailed hawk?