Red-tailed hawk: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Red-tailed hawk eggs hatch after 28–35 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 42–46 days and are weaned and independent at about 100 days. A typical clutch is 2–3 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 690-2000 |
| Male weight (g) | 690-1300 |
| Female weight (g) | 900-2000 |
| Length (cm) | 45-65 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 340-400, f 360-430 |
| Clutch size | 2-3 |
| Incubation (days) | 28-35 |
| Fledging (days) | 42-46 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~100 |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-25 |
| Breeding season | Wild: March-May. Captive: spring; breeds poorly unless imprint/AI. |
| Sexing | Female larger; DNA for certainty. |
| Moult | Moult spring-summer. |
| Quarry | Rabbits, squirrels, hare. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 3/5. |
| Temperament | Steady, robust, forgiving; good beginner hawk. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: aspergillosis (stress, poor ventilation; accipiters very prone), bumblefoot, frounce (pigeon feeding), lead (shot quarry), coccidiosis in young birds. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Broad wings, brick-red tail in adult (brown banded in juvenile), dark belly band and dark patagial bar; light, rufous and dark morphs. |
Origin: North and Central America — Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
Size: 45-65 cm, 690-2000 g
Breeding and care tips
Sturdy, calm broad-winged American hawk flown at rabbits; uncommon in the Gulf.
Description
Brick-red tail in adults and a streaked belly band.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Red-tailed hawk eggs take to hatch?
Red-tailed hawk eggs hatch after 28-35 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Red-tailed hawk lay?
Usually 2-3 eggs per clutch.
When do Red-tailed hawk chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 42-46 days old.
When are Red-tailed hawk chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~100 days.
What is the Red-tailed hawk breeding season?
Wild: March-May. Captive: spring; breeds poorly unless imprint/AI.
How do you tell a male Red-tailed hawk from a female?
Female larger; DNA for certainty.
How long does a Red-tailed hawk live?
About 15-25 years with good care.