Tiny
Tiny Eye, Red shouldered hawk, arrived at the Auburn University Raptor Center in May 2016 after a member of the public found her as a young bird and believed she was orphaned. During her intake exam, our rehabilitation team discovered that she has microphthalmia—an eye abnormality in which one eye develops abnormally small. For Tiny, the right eye is affected, leaving her with extremely limited vision. Because Red-shouldered Hawks rely heavily on their exceptional eyesight to hunt and survive, she would not be able to live safely in the wild.
Today, Tiny serves as the center’s Red-shouldered Hawk education ambassador, helping visitors learn about this striking forest dwelling species and the important role they play in local ecosystems. Known for their bold, reddish barring and distinctive, ringing calls, Red-shouldered Hawks are agile hunters that thrive in wooded habitats across the Southeast.
Tiny weighs approximately 480 grams and represents a species with a wingspan typically ranging from about 3 to 3.6 feet. Her presence allows guests to see up close the beautiful coloration, adaptations, and behaviors that define Red-shouldered Hawks.
Through her role in our programs, Tiny helps foster a deeper appreciation for native raptors and the conservation efforts that protect them.
