Habitat: This species can be found in forest clearings and in semiopen areas. Distribution: The Red-tailed Hawk breeds from North America to western Panama and in the West Indies. The northern birds will also migrate south during winter in Panama. Natural History Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 19 inches and 24 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). This large bord has broad wings with a wingspan from 110 to 145 cm. The tail is rounded and has a rufous coloration. The plumage of the northern population, which can migrate to Panama, is highly variable. The part above is usually dark brown and the part below is whitish with black stripes (number variable) especially on the belly. Some individuals will have their entire plumage black with the rufous tail. The immature will similar to the adult but the tail will be brownish-gray.