Charlie is a male Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). He was
brought to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in May of 1981
as a 3 month old fledgling after he was hit by a car. He
suffered a skull fracture and a left shoulder injury which makes
it impossible for him to fly. Charlie has a special place in our
hearts as our first and oldest resident. He has made recent
headlines as the oldest recorded red-tailed hawk in captivity.
Red-tailed hawks can be found all aver North America, and as far
north as central Alaska in the summer and south to Panama in the
winter. They are probably the most common hawk species in the
US. They are members of the genus Buteo consists of the larger
soaring hawks. These birds have broad wings and tails which
allow them to soar over open areas and they can often be found
circling over fields in search of food. They easily ride rising
warm air thermals up into the sky, expending little energy. They
occupy almost any open habitat, including desert, grassland,
fields, and parks. Th