The majestic red-tailed hawk is a common sight soaring over the dunes, marshes, and open spaces of Cape Cod. These large raptors are easily identified by their broad, rounded wings and brick-red tails as they gracefully glide searching for prey. Red-tailed hawks are opportunistic hunters that prey mainly on small mammals like voles, rabbits, and squirrels. During the summer breeding season, they construct large stick nests in tall trees or on human-made structures where they raise their broods. A symbol of strength and freedom, the red-tailed hawk has flourished on Cape Cod where their distinctive cries provide the wild soundtrack to this picturesque Massachusetts peninsula.