The Red-tailed Hawk is primarily oriented toward which type of quarry?

The Red-tailed Hawk is primarily oriented toward ground quarry, which includes small mammals such as rodents and rabbits. This species is known for its keen eyesight, allowing it to spot prey from a considerable distance while soaring in the sky or perched in a tree. The hunting strategy of the Red-tailed Hawk often involves waiting in a high vantage point before swooping down to catch its prey on the ground.

While the Red-tailed Hawk is capable of capturing birds and may consume insects or fish when necessary, its primary focus and hunting success are associated with ground-dwelling animals. This ground quarry is not only abundant but also matches the hawk's physical adaptations, such as powerful talons and strong legs, which make it an effective predator of smaller mammals.