Which bird is noted for consuming a wide variety of prey, including mammals and birds?

The red-tailed hawk is known for its adaptability and versatility in its diet, which is a significant characteristic that distinguishes it among the birds mentioned. This species utilizes different hunting techniques and is capable of hunting a wide range of prey, including small mammals like rodents and rabbits, as well as various birds. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments, from deserts to forests, where its hunting skills can be optimized according to the available prey.

In contrast, while the goshawk is also a skilled hunter, it tends to specialize more on smaller birds, and its hunting style is more focused on wooded areas. The bald eagle, primarily a fish-eater, has a diet that mostly consists of aquatic prey, especially in North America, thus limiting its dietary range. The great horned owl is a proficient predator with a varied diet, but its primary focus tends to be on nighttime rodents and birds rather than the broad array of mammals and birds that the red-tailed hawk consumes during the day.

The ability of the red-tailed hawk to consume various prey types demonstrates its role as a generalist predator, which contributes to its success as a species in different habitats.