With heavy wing beats, the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) looks positively regal as it takes flight over the open spaces it favours. This magnificent bird of prey is a graceful glider and a swift hunter that is able to soar effortlessly for hours on its broad wingspan, all while fixing its superb vision on what lies below. It is highly adaptable to a variety of habitats, but is commonly spotted while quietly hunting prey from its perch on a post or tree. The red-tailed hawk's raspy, high-pitched cry is unmistakable, and serves as an audible reminder of its resilient and hardy nature in our wilderness, as poignantly depicted in this superb fine silver coin.