The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) covers about a third of the breeding range of the Red-tailed Hawk in Canada, and, although the survey is carried out after the peak nesting time, data are sufficient to derive a reliable index to population numbers of this visible species. BBS results suggest that the species has shown a 30% increase in population in Canada since 1970. This percentage is categorized as little overall change, though it is close to the cut-off for a moderate increase (33%). Increases are quite strong across most of the species' Canadian range, with the exception of the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain Bird Conservation Region (BCR), which shows little overall change (results for all BCRs with reasonably reliable results are displayed below). Due to the BBS's incomplete coverage of the species' breeding population in Canada, results from the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which provides coverage of the species on its North American wintering grounds, were also examined. These are appropriate considering most Canadian birds likely overwinter in southern Canada and/or the United States. These results suggest that the species has increased moderately in Canada relative to the 1970s. Results from the BBS and the CBC from throughout North America suggest that the continental population has undergone a large increase relative to the 1970s. Considering both data sources, the national population of the Red-tailed Hawk may be best described as showing a moderate increase relative to 1970. Because the BBS and CBC agree on the direction of the species’ population trajectory, this is assessment is considered to be highly reliable. The Red-tailed Hawk is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey
Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
