Which raptor is commonly seen perched on freeway light poles?

The red-tailed hawk is often seen perched on freeway light poles due to its adaptability and hunting behavior. These raptors have excellent vision, allowing them to spot prey from a significant height while also benefiting from the elevated vantage points provided by structures like light poles. The red-tailed hawk is known for its preference for open landscapes interspersed with perches for hunting, making urban and suburban areas with highway systems particularly suitable for their hunting style.

In contrast, barn owls primarily hunt in quieter, less urbanized areas and are more active at night, which makes them less likely to be seen on freeway light poles. Golden eagles, while they may use similar perches, tend to inhabit more remote areas and are less frequently spotted in urban settings. Peregrine falcons are also found in urban environments but are more known for their aerial hunting tactics and preference for ledges on tall buildings or cliffs. Thus, the red-tailed hawk's behavior and adaptability make it the raptor most commonly observed on freeway light poles.