Bird of Prey (Likely a Hawk or Falcon)

Scientific Name: Accipitriformes (Order) / Falconiformes (Order)

Order & Family: Order: Accipitriformes or Falconiformes; Family: Accipitridae or Falconidae

Size: Highly variable; common species like the Red-tailed Hawk range from 45–65 cm (18–26 in) in length.

Open fields, meadows, and woodlands where they can perch on fences or trees to scout for prey.

Carnivorous; feeds on small mammals (rodents), reptiles, insects, and occasionally other birds.

Diurnal hunters that use high perches or soaring flight to spot movement. They exhibit sharp eyesight and precise diving strikes (stoops).

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling rodent and pest populations. They pose no risk to humans unless a nest is being actively defended.

Identified on: 4/16/2026