Species: Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Intake Date: August 15, 1997
Odin is one of our resident male Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and he was found in Fairbury, Illinois. He presented to the Wildlife Medical Clinic as an extremely weak, emaciated, and dehydrated juvenile on August 15, 1997. Upon arrival, he was given an emergency administration of fluids via an intraosseous catheter (a bone catheter), which is both the most efficient and most reliable way to give emergency fluids in critical animals. This emergency administration saved Odin’s life. He recovered after a few months, with his health improving drastically and his musculature filling out quite nicely. However, as with every procedure, there is a chance for complications to occur. In Odin’s case, while we are not quite sure of the reason for the complication, the joint where the intraosseous catheter was placed developed a bone infection. While the infection was resolved, he was left with arthritis that prevented the full extension of his right wing. Without full extension, he could not fly or survive in the wild. Therefore, he is now a permanent resident and ambassador for the Wildlife Medical Clinic.
Fun Facts
Red-Tailed Hawks usually develop their famous red tail around a year of age, and their eyes change from yellow to brown around two years of age, when they are mature. These hawks are one of the largest birds in North America. Their shrieks are also quite magnificent; so much so, that most movies and TV shows use the cries of a Red-Tail Hawk for any eagle or hawk that appears on-screen!