What does the Red-shouldered Hawk eat?

The Red-shouldered Hawk's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore, primarily preying on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally birds and large insects.

How it forages

Primarily a perch-and-pounce predator, hunting from a concealed perch and swooping down on prey. Also hunts while soaring or flying low through the forest. Diet includes small mammals (voles, mice, shrews), amphibians (frogs, salamanders), reptiles (snakes, lizards), large insects, and occasionally small birds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Explore the Red-shouldered Hawk