The Red-tailed Hawk is one to the most widespread and recognizable raptors in North America. In Minnesota, it is commonly seen soaring over open fields, highways, river valleys, and forest edges, especially in the southern and central regions, though it can be found across the entire state year-round. It also ranges broadly across most of the United States, adapting well to both rural landscapes and suburban areas. It is often identified by its broad wings and steady, circling flight as it searches for prey such as rodents and small mammals. However, the red tail only develops in adulthood-juvenile birds have a brown, banded tail.