The Behavior of the Red-Tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are types of raptors or birds of prey. Raptors are defined as meat-eating birds that use their feet to catch their prey. Raptors have strong feet and toes that end in talons. The talons are the nail of the bird and aid in killing prey. Raptors also have excellent eyesight. Raptors include hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, buzzards, harriers, kites, osprey, vultures, caracaras and the Secretary bird.

  1. Natural History

    • Red-tailed hawks' scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis. They are in the genus buteo which includes medium to large raptors with a wide variety of habitats, ranging from desert to tropical rainforest. Red-tailed hawks are the most common hawk in North America. They can see up to two miles away to seek their prey. They can eat anything from a large grasshopper to a small rabbit. Red-tailed hawks can live 25 to 30 years.

    General Behavior

    • Red-tailed hawks are soaring hawks. They soar above large, open fields in large circles. Raptors rarely flap their wings but when red-tailed hawks do, they are heavy wing beats. When raptors soar they are riding on thermals, which is a combination of updrafts and heat rising from the ground. For this reason, while they soar they are not flapping. They can also be seen perching on telephone poles, trees or fence posts.

    Courtship Behavior

    • Mating behavior begins with courtship. Red-tailed hawk males begin the display while the pair is soaring. The male dives down and then flies back up at steep angles. The male will repeat this behavior several times. After this, he will fly above the female and touch her back with his feet briefly. Occasionally the pair may lock talons. When this happens, they will fall, intertwined with each other, toward the ground. Red-tailed hawks mate for life. The female may even defend the male against predators or rival hawks.

    Nesting Behavior

    • The male and the female take part in building the nest. They build their nest in tall trees, near the top. If the pair bred the prior year, they may use the same nest. If this is the case, they will repair and strengthen their previous nest for the current season. Nests are built from dry sticks. The inner part of the nest is lined with leaves, feathers, bark or other vegetation. Nest building can take four to seven days. The female hawk lays two eggs. While the female incubates the eggs, which takes about 28 to 35 days, the male brings her food. Both parents help in caring for the young.