Can beginners keep a Red-tailed Hawk?

The Red-tailed Hawk is rated as suitable for experienced keepers. It requires specialized knowledge and experience, so it isn't recommended as a first bird.

How large does an adult Red-tailed Hawk get?

Adults reach 45–65cm in length, with a wingspan of 110–145cm and a weight of 690–1,600g. Females tend to be about 25% heavier than males.

Is there a size difference between males and females?

Yes. Females are about 25% heavier than males, making this a raptor with a notably clear size difference between the sexes — worth factoring in when deciding which to bring home.

What does a Red-tailed Hawk look like?

Its most distinctive feature is the uniformly brick-red tail seen on adults. It has a robust body and broad wings, and is the most common hawk of its kind found across North America.

Are there CITES restrictions on Red-tailed Hawks?

Red-tailed Hawk is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of North America's most familiar birds of prey, instantly recognizable by the brick-red tail feathers on its upperside. With a sturdy build and broad wings, its manageable temperament has made it a long-time favorite in falconry. Females are noticeably larger and more powerful than males. Its sharp gaze and commanding presence give it real visual impact, but this is a bird that demands experienced, knowledgeable care — best suited to keepers ready for a serious, hands-on relationship.

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Red-tailed Hawk key facts

Care level: Advanced
Lifespan: About 21 years
Size: 45-65cm (wingspan 110-145cm, 690-1,600g; females about 25% heavier than males)
Diet: Frozen raptor food such as quail, day-old chicks and mice; in the wild small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians
Cage: It needs a weather-proof, predator-proof mews of adequate size, or tethered housing with daily free flight. With a wingspan over 140 cm, the space and perch layout must spare the feathers.
Temperament: A solitary hunter without the group sociability of Harris's hawk. Individuals vary, but it responds well to training and is one of the few hawks permitted to novice falconers in the United States. Weight management must be routine.
Vocalization: It gives a hoarse, drawn-out scream - the call widely dubbed over birds of prey in film and television - which carries a long way.
Notes: Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. The species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty in North America, so choose birds of documented provenance.

TraitsRaptorFalconryCITES IIFor experienced keepers

About Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a North American raptor known for its brick-red tail, sturdy build, and manageable temperament — a bird suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-tailed Hawk

1A Bird for Experienced Keepers
The Red-tailed Hawk is rated as a bird for experienced keepers. Proper care calls for specialized knowledge of raptor feeding, training, and handling — this is not a first bird for a beginner.
2A Sturdy, Powerful Build
Adults measure 45–65cm in length with a wingspan of 110–145cm, and weigh between 690 and 1,600g. Females run about 25% heavier than males. Housing needs to account for this substantial body size and wingspan.
3Notable Size Difference Between Sexes
Like many raptors, the Red-tailed Hawk shows clear sexual dimorphism, with females weighing roughly 25% more than males. Keep this size difference in mind when planning housing and handling.
4The Brick-Red Tail Is Its Signature
The defining feature of the adult Red-tailed Hawk is its uniformly brick-red tail. Combined with a robust body and broad wings, it carries an unmistakably powerful raptor silhouette.
5A Temperament Known for Manageability
Its manageable nature has made this the most widely used hawk species in American falconry. That said, it remains a bird of prey with strong wild instincts, and consistent training and relationship-building are essential.
6Preparing the Right Environment
With a wingspan reaching 110–145cm, outdoor housing such as a mews or flight enclosure needs generous space and solid safety measures. Plan your facilities concretely before bringing one home.
7Research Before You Commit
Raptor care is highly specialized, and there's a lot to learn beforehand — from experienced advice to daily health monitoring routines. Talk thoroughly with the breeder about housing and the individual bird's condition before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Red-tailed Hawk

Q.Can beginners keep a Red-tailed Hawk?: A.The Red-tailed Hawk is rated as suitable for experienced keepers. It requires specialized knowledge and experience, so it isn't recommended as a first bird.
Q.How large does an adult Red-tailed Hawk get?: A.Adults reach 45–65cm in length, with a wingspan of 110–145cm and a weight of 690–1,600g. Females tend to be about 25% heavier than males.
Q.Is there a size difference between males and females?: A.Yes. Females are about 25% heavier than males, making this a raptor with a notably clear size difference between the sexes — worth factoring in when deciding which to bring home.
Q.What does a Red-tailed Hawk look like?: A.Its most distinctive feature is the uniformly brick-red tail seen on adults. It has a robust body and broad wings, and is the most common hawk of its kind found across North America.
Q.Are there CITES restrictions on Red-tailed Hawks?: A.Red-tailed Hawk is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Red-tailed Hawk care

🐦Bird Cage Size CalculatorCalculate optimal cage size, accessories & free-flight time by bird species and count 🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage 📅Breeding CalendarVisual monthly breeding season guide for each species 🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance 🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns 🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity ⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature 🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets 📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance 🏠Multi-Pet Budget PlannerPlan budget for multiple pets with shared and individual cost breakdown ⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Red-tailed Hawk in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

Red-tailed Hawk related articles

Falconry Beginner's Guide | Japanese Traditional Culture Building Bonds with Birds of Prey

Explores the history, legal regulations, and breeding methods of falconry and hawk hunting, traditional Japanese culture. Introduces beginner-friendly birds of prey such as Harris's Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks, along with necessary equipment, training methods, and animal handling business registration.

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