Buteo lineatus, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Hawk, inhabits wooded areas near water bodies across North America. Notable for its striking reddish-brown shoulders, barred underparts, and distinctive loud calls, it is a masterful hunter, preying on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

B. lineatus, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Hawk, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution extends across the eastern United States, parts of the western United States, and into northern Mexico. It is also found in parts of southern Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

The Red-shouldered Hawk typically inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, often near bodies of water such as rivers, swamps, or marshes. It prefers areas with dense canopy cover and a well-developed understory, which provide ideal conditions for hunting and nesting. The climate in its habitat ranges from temperate to subtropical, depending on the region.

This species is a diurnal raptor that plays a crucial role as a predator in its ecosystem. It primarily feeds on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally birds. The Red-shouldered Hawk is known for its adaptability, being able to thrive in both rural and suburban environments as long as sufficient forested areas are present.