Skip to main content
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to go to the desired page. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Donate
  • local_grocery_store Shopping Cart 0
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Venue Rentals
  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Hiking Trails
    • Group Visits
    • FAQs
  • Birding
    • Birding at Schlitz Audubon
    • Feeder Cam
    • Birding Resources
  • Learn
    • Nature Preschool
    • Youth Education
    • Summer Camp
    • Adult Education
  • Conservation
    • Conservation Philosophy
    • Conservation Plan
    • Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project
    • Reptile Amphibian Conservation Area
    • Birds of Greatest Conservation Need
    • Citizen Science
    • Conservation in Your Yard
  • Raptors
    • Raptor Program
    • Meet Our Raptors
    • Support Our Raptors
    • 2023 Raptor Calendar
    • At the Mews
  • Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
  • VisitView Children
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Hiking Trails
    • Group Visits
    • FAQs
  • BirdingView Children
    • Birding at Schlitz Audubon
    • Feeder Cam
    • Birding Resources
  • LearnView Children
    • Nature Preschool
    • Youth Education
    • Summer Camp
    • Adult Education
  • ConservationView Children
    • Conservation Philosophy
    • Conservation Plan
    • Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project
    • Reptile Amphibian Conservation Area
    • Birds of Greatest Conservation Need
    • Citizen Science
    • Conservation in Your Yard
  • RaptorsView Children
    • Raptor Program
    • Meet Our Raptors
    • Support Our Raptors
    • 2023 Raptor Calendar
    • At the Mews
  • Calendar
  • Get InvolvedView Children
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Venue Rentals
  • Donate

Also in this section

  • Raptor Program
  • Meet Our Raptors
  • Support Our Raptors
  • 2023 Raptor Calendar
  • At the Mews

Atlas

Back to All
< Previous Next >

Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus

Atlas, our female Red-shouldered Hawk, joined our flock in February, 2020 as an adult. In the wild, Atlas was hit by a car and her wing was severely damaged. This restricted her flight ability and she was deemed non-releasable. After rehabilitation, Atlas lived at a facility in Colorado, working as an educator for a few years before being transferred to Schlitz Audubon. Atlas is the first Red-shouldered Hawk in our Raptor Program, and she helps teach about migration along the Mississippi Flyway as well as the importance of habitat and wetland conservation.

Hatch Year: Unknown

Weight: 1-1 ½ pounds

Wingspan: 37 – 42 in

Lifespan in the Wild: 5- 20 years

Fun Fact: Red-shouldered Hawks prefer the same habitat as Barred Owls. They both prey on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and crayfish. Since Red-shouldered Hawks are diurnal and Barred Owls are nocturnal, they can live in the same area!

About my Species: Red-shouldered Hawks are medium-sized raptors with broad wings and a long tail. A rusty patch on their wings near their shoulders gives this hawk its name. Individuals show adult plumage at 2 years of age: juveniles are duller in coloration, with brown streaking and thin bands on the tail. They prefer mature hardwood forests near shallow water or wetlands.

Red-shouldered Hawks are threatened in the state of Wisconsin. Due to their natural range, as well as deforestation and habitat fragmentation, their populations are low in our state, although they are found nesting in 60 of our 72 counties They are short distance migrants, and Red-shoulders in Wisconsin migrate to southern Illinois or further south.

Learn more about Red-shouldered Hawks!

Back to All
< Previous Next >

Meet Other Raptors

Glory

Athena, female Barn Owl at Schlitz Audubon

Athena

Baron von Screech, Eastern Screech Owl at Schlitz Audubon

Baron von Screech

Loki, American Crow at Schlitz Audubon

Loki

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, our mission is to conserve our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provide meaningful experiences and environmental education for all.

Our Location

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 352-2880

Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm Daily

Admission
Free for members
$8 Adults
$5 Ages 3-17
$5 Active Duty & Veterans

Plan Your Visit
Join today!

Stay Connected!

Subscribe to our Weekly eNews to receive updates on activities, programs and special events.

  • Please enter a number from 10000 to 99999.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Contact Us
  • Venue Rentals
  • Careers & Internships
  • About Us
  • Panorama
  • Site Terms
  • Donor Privacy Policy
Charity Navigator 4-star charity
National Audubon Society
Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

All content ©2023 Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Site Design: Third Sector Creative