These birds are easily identifiable by the rusty coloured tail feathers which give them their name.
They also have pale underwings and bellies. Red-tailed hawks have been seen in a large variety of habitats, but you are most likely to spot one in open woodlands.
When it comes to their territory, these birds are very defensive and have been known to be very aggressive with other birds.
They have been known to get into fights with and chase off other hawks, eagles and certain species of owls.
These birds are monogamous and form mating pairs that do not allow others into their territory.
They will only allow another hawk in if one member of the breeding pair dies.
This is the most commonly seen hawk in the state of Virginia. They have a very wide range across all the states and are year-round residents in the state.
You can see them in all regions of the state but have been most commonly sighted in the western half of the state.