What insects do Red-tailed Hawks primarily feed on?

Red-tailed Hawks primarily feed on rodents and rabbits due to their hunting behavior and preferences. This species is known for its ability to hunt small mammals, utilizing its keen eyesight to spot prey from high perches. Rodents, such as field mice and voles, make up a significant portion of their diet, providing the necessary nutrition for these birds of prey. Rabbits are also a favored food source, as their larger size can sustain the hawk for an extended period.

While insects like beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers can be part of the diet, particularly when other prey is scarce, they do not constitute the main component of the Red-tailed Hawk's diet. These birds are adapted to hunt and kill larger animals, which supports their higher nutritional needs effectively, thereby making small mammals and rabbits their primary food sources.