Where are Buteos most commonly found resting or hunting?

Buteos, a family of birds of prey that includes species like red-tailed hawks, are typically found resting or hunting on top of trees or phone poles. This behavior is mainly due to their need for a vantage point to survey their surroundings for prey. The height advantage provided by these perches allows them to spot rodents and other small animals from afar while maintaining a safe position away from ground-level threats.

While they may also be seen in open fields, ground level, or shrubs during hunting, their preferred perching and hunting strategy leverages elevated locations that offer clear visibility. This allows Buteos to efficiently use their keen eyesight to search for food while also facilitating a swift launch into flight when they need to pursue prey. Thus, the choice indicating trees or phone poles accurately reflects the primary habits of Buteos in the wild.