Student with very large adult female red-tail hawk (1500+ grams.)
Red-tailed Hawk Gender (Sex) Ratios in Central Nebraska (Buffalo, Co.)
Summary: Project involves investigating the ratio of male to female red-tailed hawks wintering in central Nebraska. Unlike American kestels, which can be assigned a gender based on appearance, red-tailed hawks are essentially identical in the appearance of their plumage. However, females are significantly larger than males, so gender can be determined by morphological measurements which necessitates capture of the hawks.
Students measuring the mass of a tapped red-tailed hawk.
Student with a juvinile red-tailed hawk. Note lack of red tail and yellow eyes.
Releasing of red-tailed hawk after taking measurements in the field.