Hawks are a group of medium to large birds of prey that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are members of the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, and Old World vultures. Hawks are known for their sharp vision, powerful wings, and strong talons, which they use to catch and kill prey.
There are many different species of hawks, which vary in size, appearance, and habitat. The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a common species of hawk found in North America. It is a medium-sized hawk with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) and a body length of up to 50 cm (20 inches). The red-tailed hawk has a reddish-brown tail and a dark brown body, and it feeds on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Other species of hawks include the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), which is found in Europe and Asia, and the Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), which is found in the Americas. Hawks are found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Many species of hawks are considered to be at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. Conservation efforts have helped to increase the populations of some hawk species, but many species are still considered to be at risk.