RED-SHOULDERED HAWK HOME-RANGE AND HABITAT USE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Space and habitat use patterns of adult red-shouldered hawks (Buteo li neatus elegans) in southern California are relevant to land-use planni ng and the conservation of this species. Thus, we determined average h ome-range size through radio telemetry to aid such planning. Average b orne-range size was 1.21 km2 for 7 males and 1.01 km2 for 6 females. A non-territorial male floater used a home range 30 times larger than t he mean of 7 other males. Core areas averaged 7.5% and 4% of home-rang e size for males and females, respectively. Red-shouldered hawks used 4 woodland habitats more than expected due to chance, and 4 non-woodla nd habitats less than expected; the overall pattern of habitat use was the same for both sexes. Home ranges in mesic riparian habitats were smaller than those in more xeric oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands. Two pai rs of red-shouldered hawks showed a high degree of adaptability to hum an-altered habitats and human disturbance. A mosaic of habitats in an area encompassing greater-than-or-equal-to 1.21 km2 of predominantly w oodland habitats appeared adequate for 1 pair of red-shouldered hawks in southern California.