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Red-tailed Hawk

One of the most commonly seen, the Red-tailed Hawk can be found all across North America.

Preferring a variety of open habitats, this bird can be seen holding still into the wind while hunting its prey.

Description

A large bird, the Red-tailed Hawk measures 19 to 26 inches in length with a wing span of 4 1/2 feet. The female is up to a third larger than the male.

The plumage of these birds varies depending on the region in which it resides.

Typically, the adult bird is a dark brown above, white breast, and a band across the belly.

The tail is a brick red on the upperside.

Immature Red-tails are similar in appearance, except the tail is brown and banded instead of reddish.

Mating-Breeding

The mating and breeding habits of these birds include airial displays meant to advertise their readiness for breeding.

The breeding season begins in late winter, early spring.

Generally monogamous birds, remaining with the same mate throughout the breeding season and often pairing for life.

Seeking a new mate only if the original partner is lost.

Nesting Habits

The male and female participate in the building of the nest which is a platform constructed of sticks and twigs, lined with bark and greenery.

The nest is located in a tree 15 to 120 feet above ground. Sometimes nest are built on cliffs.

The female lays 1 to 5 bluish white eggs with dark marks. Most commonly lays 2 to 3 eggs. The eggs are incubated by both male and female (mostly female) for 28 to 35 days.

The young will leave the nest in 44 to 46 days after hatching.

Raises only one brood a season. May re-nest if first nesting attempt is unsuccessful.

Feeding Habits

Highly valued by farmers, the Red-tailed hawk perched for prey

Hawk may perch, hover, or hold still into the wind when hunting for mice, birds, large insects, reptiles and other mammals.

Migration

Only the northern populations of the Red-tailed Hawk (Alaska, Canada, northern United States) migrate south in winter. Others are non-migratory.

Lifespan

The average lifespan in the wild ranges from 13 - 20 years. In captivity, lifespan can be longer.

Watch As This Hawk Feeds On Its Just Caught Prey

Are Hawks At Your Feeders? What You Can Do

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PBS Nature Series

DVD

Pale Male

Of the millions of newcomers who flock to New York City, the astounding arrival in 1991 of a red-tailed hawk made history.

No other red-tailed hawk had ever attempted to make Manhattan his territory. Affectionately dubbed Pale Male, he made an exclusive Fifth Avenue apartment building his home.

Pale Male became an instant celebrity who made New Yorkers' hearts and imaginations soar. The destruction of his nest in December, 2004, became front page news.

See Pale Male's remarkable story in this award-winning presentation of the Emmy-honored PBS series, NATURE narrated by Oscar-winner Joanne Woodward.

Join the close-knit community of bird-watchers who faithfully gather daily to follow the progress of this exquisite, powerful bird of prey, as he hunts, courts his mate, builds a penthouse nest, protects his family, and encourages his baby chicks to fly.

Pale Male and his family become a magnificent obsession for the captivated crowds below. To the regulars on the beach, it's better than Broadway.

And so is this very special program that the Audubon Society has proclaimed "a classic."

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