How to Measure a Red-Tailed Hawk for a Hood

The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a popular species of hawk in the sport of falconry. Falconers will frequently cover their bird's head with a leather hood, which acts as a blindfold, to keep their red-tailed hawk or other bird of prey calm while it is being handled or moved. Hoods must be fitted carefully to the individual bird to avoid eye injury. Fit is more important than style, color or any other factor.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring device marked in millimeters
  • Selection of hoods sized from 60 to 68 millimeters
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the sex and approximate age of the bird. Both of these factors will affect hood size, as females are larger than males at maturity.

    • 2

      Restrain the bird appropriately.

    • 3

      Measure the distance across the top of the hawk's head from side to side at the widest point. Mature male red-tailed hawks commonly measure approximately 62 to 64 millimeters, while females measure about 64 to 66 millimeters.

    • 4

      Select a hood close to, but slightly larger, than this measurement.

    • 5

      Loosen the braces (the straps at the base of the hood) to open the hood and slide it quickly but gently onto and over the bird's head from front to back, with the braces under the beak. Tighten the braces carefully so that they hold the hood in place without being too tight.

    • 6

      Leave the bird hooded, place it on a perch and leave it for an hour or two, monitoring for any signs of discomfort. It should sit quietly, but remain alert to sounds. If the red-tail is restless, remove the hood immediately and investigate for possible problems in hood fit.

    • 7

      Loosen the braces fully and remove the hood in reverse (back to front). Look inside the eye cups for moisture (this means the hood is tto small and is actually touching the bird's eyes, which is irritating and painful).

    • 8

      Check the skin and feathers around and under the bird's eyes to be sure there is no drainage or "weeping."

    • 9

      Look for any crushing of the feathers across the back of the head. Slight ruffling indicates a close fit, but is acceptable.

    • 10

      Check the cere (the bare skin around the nostrils and upper beak) for signs of abrasion. You may be able to stretch and reshape the beak opening of the hood with your fingers to adjust the fit here.

    • 11

      If the hood is too small across the head and over the eyes, try other hoods until you find one that fits your red-tail comfortably.