By Sohaib Shams
A red-shouldered hawk in Virginia was rescued after becoming too heavy to fly from weeks of feasting on free-ranging chickens and sleeping between meals. The adult female bird, weighing more than 910 grams (2 pounds), was found grounded in a homeowner's driveway near Roanoke and taken to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center for examination.
Rescue and Examination
Rescuers initially tested for injuries, lead poisoning, eye problems, and other medical conditions that could prevent flight. The examination revealed no broken bones, trauma, or illness — only an excessive layer of body fat. The center noted they could not even palpate the bird's keel bone due to the fat covering it. Red-shouldered hawks typically weigh between 450 and 680 grams, making this bird significantly heavier than the normal range for its species.
Cause of Weight Gain
A neighbor confirmed their chickens had been disappearing over several weeks. The center concluded the hawk had been repeatedly preying on the easily accessible birds, eating its fill before resting in nearby trees. The cycle of feasting and sleeping continued for weeks until the hawk could no longer take flight, leaving it extremely vulnerable on the ground.
Warning Against Feeding Wildlife
The wildlife center used the case to warn against feeding wildlife, whether directly or indirectly. The hawk remains in care until it loses enough weight to fly safely again.
