Which hawk is preferred for hunting cotton tails and jacks?

The red-tailed hawk is preferred for hunting cotton tails and jacks due to its size, strength, and hunting technique. This species is a versatile and adaptable predator, often found in open fields, which are common habitats for rabbits. The red-tailed hawk is known to be an effective hunter for small to medium-sized mammals, using its keen eyesight to spot prey from great distances.

With powerful talons and a strong beak, this hawk can effectively capture and kill its prey. It typically employs a hunting strategy that includes soaring at high altitudes to scout for movement, then diving down quickly to catch its target, making it particularly suited for hunting in the varied terrain where cotton tails and jacks are found.

While Cooper's hawk and prairie falcon have their own strengths and preferred prey, they are not as specialized for hunting rabbits compared to the red-tailed hawk. Cooper's hawks tend to hunt smaller birds in forested areas, and prairie falcons often focus on ground-dwelling birds like quail. Hence, the red-tailed hawk's characteristics make it the most effective choice for hunting cotton tails and jacks.