Which characteristic is associated with sexual dimorphism in red-tailed hawks?

Sexual dimorphism refers to the differences in size, color, shape, or behavior between males and females of the same species. In red-tailed hawks, one of the most notable characteristics of sexual dimorphism is size differences between males and females. Typically, female red-tailed hawks are larger than their male counterparts. This size difference is common in raptors, where females often exhibit a greater body mass, which can be advantageous for breeding and caring for young.

While red-tailed hawks may exhibit some color variations, these are generally not significant enough to be considered sexual dimorphism. Behavioral differences can occur, like differing roles in hunting or nesting, but those do not distinguish male from female hawks in a clearly defined manner. Feeding habits tend to be similar across both sexes, with both engaging in similar prey capture strategies regardless of size. Thus, size differences stand out as the most definitive characteristic linked to sexual dimorphism in red-tailed hawks.