The Red-Tailed Hawk soars and flaps the wings as little as possible in order to conserve energy. They typically travel at 20 - 40 miles per hour and may exceed 120 miles per hour when diving for prey. They are generally non-aggressive towards people and other birds, yet it is often harassed by crows, magpies, owls and other hawks.

Red-Tailed Hawks (also knows as chickenhawks in the US) can be found throughout most of North America. It's preferred habitat is a combination of woods and fields. The hawk's cry consists of a hoarse, rasping scream of "kree-eee-ar", which it emits when hunting or soaring. In Native American culture, the Red-Tailed Hawk's feathers are considered to be sacred and used in religious ceremonies.