Extreme attachment for a particular locality is one of the REDSHOULDER HAWK'S predominant traits. They probably mate for life and I have known a pair, or some of their progeny, to return for sixteen years to their home in an old oak tree on Long Island. Trying to ascend this tree with aid of two ropes looped around its trunk nearly cost me my ticket. I lost my hand grip and hung by the heels! A nearby sapling enabled me to bend up and release my feet.
The Redshoulders prefer deep woods and seldom soar for any length of time as do the Redtails. When scared from the nest they slip away without fuss and furtively watch the intruder from a distance.
Eastern North America, west to edge of Great Plains, south to northern part of Gulf States.