Meet Maverick!

The red-shouldered hawk is a striking raptor known for its reddish-brown shoulders, barred chest, and bold white-and-black wing patterns. These medium-sized hawks are expert hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, and play a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced.

Native to forests and wetlands across North America, red-shouldered hawks are skilled at perching quietly and swooping down with incredible precision to catch their prey. They are known for their loud, distinctive “kee-ah” calls, which can often be heard echoing through their woodland homes.

At Chehaw, our Red-Shouldered Hawk helps visitors learn about the importance of raptors in maintaining healthy habitats and the challenges they face in the wild, including habitat loss and environmental pollution. By observing her up close, guests can appreciate not only the beauty and power of these birds but also why protecting their habitats is essential for wildlife conservation.