Barbosa

Red-Tailed Hawk Ambassador

Barbosa
Sex:

Male

Arrival:

2023 / Juvenile

Injury / Condition:

Severe head trauma

About Barbosa

Barbosa was found on a roadside and arrived lethargic, with clear signs of head trauma and damage to his right eye. Over time, the damage to his eye worsened, making him blind on his right side. Although he can fly, he flies in circles, and continues to show signs of delayed reactions to the world around him. Unable to fly in a straight line likely due to his head trauma, Barbosa is non-releasable.

Barbosa is named for the fictional pirate Hector Barbossa in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Description

The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common and widespread soaring hawks (Buteos) found throughout North and Central America, and the Caribbean Islands except extreme Northern Canada. This hawk is the most common hawk found throughout Arizona.

Life Span

Red-tailed hawks are relatively long-lived birds. While many live less than two years, those that survive the first few years can live 12 to 16 years. The oldest known wild red-tailed hawk lived to at least 21.5 years old. In captivity, red-tailed hawks have lived for at least 29.5 years.

Prey / Food

The red-tailed hawk is an important raptor in controlling rodent populations. Typical food includes small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents, cottontails, and jackrabbits. It will also eat birds and reptiles.

Babies / Nests

They build bulky stick nests in tall trees, poles or on ledges. The nests are often lined with soft material. The female usually lays 2 to 3 eggs. Incubation lasts between 28 and 32 days.

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