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Aves - Neognathae - Accipitriformes - Accipitridae - Buteo - Buteo jamaicensis

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk)

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Species Description
The Red-Tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in North America, found throughout the continent. They live in a wide range of habitats, but prefer mixed forest and fields. The Red-Tailed Hawk is also known as the Chickenhawk, although they do not frequently eat chickens. Their main prey are small mammals; rodents can make up 85% of the Red-Tailed Hawk’s diet. However, they take a large variety of prey, with sizes ranging from beetles to jackrabbits. Their courtship involves complex flight displays; they will soar in circles high in the air, with the male occasionally reaching out his feet to touch the female. Red-Tailed Hawks will also sometimes clasp talons and plummet, spiraling towards the ground until they pull away and begin circling again. Given their intelligence and trainability, Red-Tailed Hawks make up the majority of hawks captured for falconry.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia