Remarkable Raptors

Red-tailed hawks are one of the largest and most common raptors you’ll see in North America. They have a raspy scream that has proved popular throughout the film industry. In most cases, whenever you see a hawk or an eagle on screen, the soundtrack call used is that of a red-tailed hawk. These birds have impressive eyesight, using it to locate potential prey while they perch on fenceposts or telephone poles.

Red-tailed hawks are monogamous, mating with the same partner for many years (until one member of the pair dies.) Courting red-tailed hawks will put on an impressive aerial display, which sometimes includes the pair grabbing onto one other, clasping talons, and plummeting in spirals toward the ground before pulling away. This print features a curious red-tailed hawk, inspired by the same bird that this artist has the privilege to work with. (see photo below).

Despite having the word “screech” in the name, this wonderfully small owl (who is no larger than a paint glass) actually creates a small, soft trill. While access to tree cavities or nesting boxes are essential, Eastern Screech-Owls can live and breed successfully in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from forests, farmland, and even city parks- as long as there is at least some tree cover. They eat most kinds of small animals, including birds and mammals as well as surprisingly large numbers of earthworms, insects, crayfish, amphibians, lizards (and occasionally other screech owls!)

Eastern Screech-Owls can be either mostly gray or mostly reddish-brown (rufous). Whatever the overall color, they are patterned with complex bands and spots that give them excellent camouflage against tree bark. Red and gray individuals occur across their natural range, with about one-third of all individuals being red. This print features a life-size Eastern Screech-Owl, available in both the gray and rufous morph.