Large North American bird of prey with a broad body, powerful hooked beak, and strong yellow talons. Plumage is typically brown above with a lighter, mottled chest and a darker belly band. Adults are named for their distinctive reddish tail, though it may not always be visible when perched. Red-tailed hawks commonly perch high in trees or on poles, scanning the ground for small mammals such as mice, gophers, and rabbits. They are one of the most widespread and adaptable raptors in North America, often found in open fields, coastal areas, and suburban environments.