An Urban Bird

A wild red-tailed hawk perches on an owl sculpture - part of the façade of the Bronx Zoo's old bird house. 

Along with peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks are among the most urbanized North American raptor species, and seem to have no problem in adapting to fast-paced city life.  In urban environments, red-tails can frequently be seen feeding on squirrels, rats, mice and even pigeons. 

They usually nest in parkland, but sometimes call home to more urbane environments, as illustrated by "Pale Male," Manhattan's celebrity red-tail that built a nest in a tawny neighborhood overlooking Central Park.

• Video: Pale Male
• Images: Rare and Exotic Birds