Red-tailed hawks are known for their distinctive what?

Red-tailed hawks are well-known for their identifiable call, which is one of the most distinctive characteristics of this species. The call is a distinctive, raspy scream that can be easily recognized, especially in the wild. This vocalization serves multiple purposes, including communication between mates and establishing territory. The clarity and uniqueness of their call have led to their association with the iconic sounds of North American wildlife.

While the other characteristics, such as fierce territorial behavior and loyalty to nest sites, are behaviors that can be observed, they are not as distinctive as the call in terms of recognition. Colorful plumage is also not applicable, as red-tailed hawks exhibit fairly muted colors compared to other bird species. Their plumage is primarily brown with variations but does not stand out as colorful or vibrant.