- hatch covered with white down
- eyes are dark brown
- unable to fly or regulate their body temperature
Branching Stage (2-4 weeks):
- begin to develop feathers
- eyes turn yellow
- start to climb and perch on branches
- still dependent on parents for food
Fledging Stage (4-6 weeks):
- fully feathered
- wings are strong enough for short flights
- begin to hunt for small prey
- still partially reliant on parents for food
Juvenile Stage (6-12 months):
- become independent from their parents
- continue to develop hunting skills and learn how to survive in the wild
- plumage begins to resemble that of an adult
Adult Stage (12+ months):
- reach their full size and plumage
- establish territories
- begin to breed and reproduce
Lifespan:
- Red-tailed hawks can live up to 25 years in the wild.