The Red-tailed Hawk is indeed a scavenger. As an expert, I can explain in detail why this is the case. Red-tailed Hawks are known for being opportunistic predators, which means they take advantage of various food sources that come their way. While they primarily hunt and capture their own prey, they are not averse to scavenging when the opportunity arises.
These majestic raptors have a diverse diet that includes medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. When it comes to mammals, they are known to prey on rodents such as mice, voles, and rabbits. Additionally, they may also target birds like pigeons, doves, and even small waterfowl. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are also on their menu.
While most of their hunting is done from perches, where they patiently scan their surroundings for potential prey, Red-tailed Hawks are versatile hunters. In regions with fewer trees, they have been observed hunting while hovering in mid-air, using their keen eyesight to spot their quarry on the ground. This hovering hunting behavior is particularly impressive and showcases their adaptability as predators.
However, even with their hunting prowess, Red-tailed Hawks are not averse to taking advantage of an easy meal when they come across one. They are known to scavenge on carrion, which refers to dead animals. This scavenging behavior is especially evident when they come across roadkill or other carcasses that are readily available. They will swoop down and feast on the already deceased animal, making the most of the opportunity.
In my own personal experiences observing Red-tailed Hawks, I have witnessed their scavenging behavior on a few occasions. Once, while hiking in a remote area, I stumbled upon the remains of a deer that had fallen victim to a predator. As I approached the scene, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk perched nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the carcass. It was clear that the hawk had been scavenging on the remains, taking advantage of an easy meal.
To summarize, Red-tailed Hawks are primarily opportunistic predators, utilizing their hunting skills to capture live prey. However, they are not above scavenging on carrion when the opportunity presents itself. This scavenging behavior is just another example of their adaptability and resourcefulness as raptors in their ecosystem.