Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. They are large, powerful raptors that can play an important role as natural pest control by preying on rodents, rabbits, and other small game. Many falconers also use red-tailed hawks in the sport of falconry to hunt small game like squirrels, rabbits, and ducks. So are red-tailed hawks good for hunting? The answer depends on what you want to hunt and your experience level with training birds of prey.
Red-tailed hawk basics
Here are some key facts about red-tailed hawks:
– Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis
– Length: 19-25 inches
– Wingspan: 48-57 inches
– Weight: 2-4 pounds
– Lifespan: Up to 16 years in captivity, around 12 years in the wild
– Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees or elevated perches like light poles or fence posts
– Prey: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Red-tailed hawks are generalist predators that will hunt whatever small prey is abundant in their local habitat. Their distinctive rusty red tail gives them their common name. These large hawks soar over open areas searching for prey on the ground. Once spotted, they will swoop down to snatch their target in their sharp talons.
Hunting ability
So what makes red-tailed hawks effective hunters? Here are some of their key adaptations and skills:
– Eyesight – Red-tailed hawks have extremely sharp vision to spot potential prey while soaring high overhead. Their eyes are specially adapted to detect subtle movements on the ground from great heights. They can spot prey up to 1-2 miles away.
– Speed – When diving down to strike prey, red-tailed hawks can reach speeds over 120 mph. This gives them the speed and momentum to stun or kill prey on impact. Even large squirrels and rabbits may be knocked out or killed immediately.
– Powerful talons – A red-tailed hawk’s talons act like steel traps, instantly killing prey on contact. Their talons exert an incredible amount of pressure – estimates range from 100 to over 300 psi. They only take seconds to slice through skin and break the bones of prey.
– Beak – Like all birds of prey, the red-tailed hawk has a sharp, hooked beak ideal for tearing flesh. They use their beak to cut prey into pieces small enough to swallow.
– Intelligence – Red-tailed hawks are considered intelligent birds of prey. They are able to learn hunting techniques, adapt to new prey sources, and remember successful hunting areas. This intelligence makes them easier to train for falconry.
Overall, the red-tailed hawk is excellently equipped by nature to be an efficient hunting bird. Their combination of keen eyesight, speed, powerful talons, and sharp beak make them lethal predators capable of taking down a wide range of small prey.
Effectiveness for hunting different prey
Red-tailed hawks can potentially prey on a wide variety of animals. Here is a look at how effective they can be on some common types of hunting targets:
Squirrels
Red-tailed hawks are extremely effective hunters of tree squirrels, including eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and pine squirrels. A red-tail is more than capable of swiftly killing adult squirrels weighing over 1 pound with a targeted strike. They are able to keep squirrel populations in check naturally.
Rabbits
Cottontail rabbits are another common victim of red-tailed hawks. The hawks can snatch adult cottontails weighing up to 3 pounds out of their hiding spots in grassy areas and kill them instantly. The rapid speed and crushing talons of a red-tail give rabbits little chance to escape.
Rats
Rats may be pesky pests, but they are no match for a red-tailed hawk. Rats are easy for red-tails to spot and kill in open areas. A hawk can help control rat infestations around farms or grain storage areas naturally. Their aerial view lets them spot hidden rat nests and burrows as well.
Snakes
Most snakes are not quick enough to evade a determined red-tailed hawk. Non-venomous species like garter snakes and rat snakes are frequently eaten by red-tails. They have also been known to prey on rattlesnakes on occasion. However, venomous snakes can potentially bite and injure a hawk if the attack is not executed perfectly.
Lizards/Amphibians
Small skinks, anoles, and tree frogs frequently end up as meals for red-tailed hawks. When other prey becomes scarce, red-tails will eat more reptiles and amphibians. These cold-blooded vertebrates provide important calories and protein.
Fish
Red-tailed hawks are not well-suited for hunting fish. They lack the specialized adaptations of ospreys and eagles that dive into water and catch fish with their talons. However, red-tails may opportunistically grab easy fish like sunfish or shiners when the water is shallow and clear. But they are not effective at fish hunting overall.
Birds
Red-tailed hawks sometimes include other birds in their diet, including mourning doves, common grackles, and pigeons. They may opportunistically prey on injured or very young birds. However, most healthy adult birds are too alert and agile for a red-tail to catch them in mid-air, unlike the more specialized bird-hunting accipiters.
Carrion
When fresh prey is scarce, red-tailed hawks will readily eat carrion or roadkill to survive. This may include anything from roadkill squirrels to gut piles left by deer hunters. Red-tails have very strong digestive systems and immune systems that allow them to consume carrion and meat scraps that could sicken other animals.
So in summary, red-tailed hawks are extremely effective at hunting small mammals and herpetofauna like squirrels, rats, rabbits, snakes, and lizards. They are less specialized for catching other birds and fish. Overall, their versatility as generalist predators allows red-tailed hawks to hunt a wide range of small animals very successfully.
Training red-tailed hawks for falconry
The intelligence and hunting prowess of red-tailed hawks makes them one of the most popular hawk species used in the ancient sport of falconry. They are easier to train and care for than more temperamental falcons. Here is an overview of using red-tailed hawks for falconry hunting:
– Obtaining a hawk – Falconers must obtain proper permits and licenses to legally trap and keep a wild red-tailed hawk for falconry. Captive-bred hawks can also be purchased from reputable breeders.
– Housing – A red-tail must be kept in a sheltered mews or hawk house when not hunting. This keeps the hawk safe and prevents escape.
– Training – Over a period of weeks, the hawk is trained using food rewards to return to the falconer’s glove or lure when called. A trust between falconer and hawk is developed.
– Weight management – The hawk is fed a carefully controlled diet and weight is kept at an optimal level to encourage hunting. Overweight hawks may be unmotivated to hunt prey.
– Hunting – The red-tail can then be used to hunt quarry like rabbits or squirrels in appropriate seasons. Successful kills are rewarded with food.
– Care – Proper healthcare and facilities must be provided at all times. Falconry is very labor intensive.
In the right hands, a red-tailed hawk can be an effective hunting companion for small game. But they do require extensive experience, training, dedication, and facilities. Falconry is tightly regulated as well. It is not an endeavor to be taken lightly.
Drawbacks and risks of using red-tailed hawks for hunting
While red-tailed hawks have many qualities that make them effective hunters, there are some potential drawbacks and risks to be aware of if using them for falconry or pest control:
– Care difficulty – Caring properly for any bird of prey takes extensive knowledge, facilities, time and dedication. Red-tailed hawks have complex needs.
– Training challenges – Not all red-tails are equally trainable or will adapt well to hunting with a human. Some may be injury prone as well.
– Escapes – A lost hawk may not return and could perish or upset local ecosystems if not recaptured. Maintaining equipment and precautions against escapes is critical.
– Unintended prey – It can be challenging to get a red-tail to only focus on desired prey and avoid other species, like chickens in a farmyard or endangered species. Their broad diet can lead them to take “off-target” animals.
– Injuries – Any type of hunting carries risks of injury to both the hunter and hawk. A mishap could damage the hawk’s wing bones or leg joints.
– Disease risks – Birds of prey in captivity are susceptible to a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases. Preventing and managing health issues requires diligent care and monitoring.
– Regulations – Legal restrictions, licensing requirements and inspection of facilities may apply to raptor ownership and falconry. Release of a non-native bird could be illegal.
For these reasons, red-tailed hawks should only be cared for by experienced experts like master falconers. Casual ownership of a raptor is not recommended. But in the right hands, these hawks can be effective hunting partners.
Hunting ethics
When used for hunting, red-tailed hawks should be employed ethically and sustainably:
– Adhere to all laws – Have proper falconry permits and only hunt permitted game during authorized seasons.
– Use caught prey – Kills should be collected from the hawk and used for food if possible, rather than allowing waste.
– Minimize suffering – The hawk should be used to make clean kills whenever possible that minimize suffering.
– Monitor ecosystems – Note impacts on local prey populations and adjust hunting pressure accordingly.
– Care for the hawk – The raptor’s health and needs for proper housing, training and food should always come first, before its use for hunting.
– Release barren hens – Female red-tails without offspring should be released back to the wild during molting period to maintain populations.
Following high ethical standards helps ensure red-tailed hawk hunting practices remain sustainable and do not harm wild populations or ecosystems. The hawk’s welfare must be the top priority.
Obtaining necessary licenses and permits
Due to strict regulation and oversight of raptor ownership, certain licenses and permits are required to legally trap, keep and use a red-tailed hawk for falconry in the United States. Here are some types of documentation you may need:
– State falconry permit – Each state has its own permitting process and requirements for practicing falconry. This may involve facility inspections, testing and apprenticeships.
– Federal raptor captive breeding permit – Needed to breed raptors in captivity, if not taking birds from the wild.
– Federal raptor propagation permit – Required to captive breed raptors and then sell/trade excess progeny.
– Trapping license for wild raptors – Allows legal trapping of wild raptors like red-tailed hawks under specified seasons and catch limits.
– Noncommercial falconry license – For capturing a wild raptor for personal use. Commercial licenses also exist but are heavily restricted.
– Endangered species permits – Separate endangered species permits are needed for capturing or possessing threatened or endangered birds of prey.
– U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Form 3-186A – Documents and identifies all raptors legally held for falconry.
– State hunting permit/license – Required for hunting game with a raptor. The raptor permit itself does not allow you to hunt.
Various other permits may apply for housing raptors or using them for educational purposes. Abide by all regulations to practice falconry safely, ethically and legally.
Getting trained in falconry
Falconry has a long and complex tradition developed over thousands of years. Given the complexity of properly caring for and training a hunting bird of prey, getting hands-on guidance from an experienced falconer is highly recommended before obtaining your first hawk. Here are some tips:
– Find a sponsor – Locate a Master Falconer near you willing to mentor an apprentice. Use state associations.
– Serve as an apprentice – Spend at least 2 years training under a Master Falconer to gain experience before handling your own hawk.
– Study for the exam – Extensive study and testing on raptor biology, care, facilities and training is needed to pass the falconry exam for licensing.
– Build proper facilities – Construct suitable housing, weathering area and other equipment to properly and safely house raptors.
– Learn raptor health – Study common diseases, first aid, symptoms of illness and basic treatments. A vet should examine and treat serious issues.
– Handle hawk species – Get practice handling, training and flying raptor species you plan to work with like red-tailed hawks.
– Join associations – Connect with national and state-level falconry organizations to continue learning and getting guidance from experienced falconers.
Do not attempt falconry as a casual hobby. It requires extensive investment of time, dedication and study to properly care for a hawk and use it for hunting. Building a partnership with these majestic birds is very rewarding, but also a major responsibility.
Selecting the right red-tailed hawk
Not every red-tailed hawk makes an ideal hunting partner. When selecting a wild-caught or captive-bred red-tail for falconry, look for these traits:
– Age – 1-3 years old. Fledglings are very difficult to train and older birds can be stubborn.
– Weight – Female hawks are preferred and should weigh approximately 2.5-4.5 lbs for red-tails.
– Condition – Healthy, alert and active. Avoid lethargic birds or those with low body weight. Examine eyes, feathers and feet for issues.
– Temperament – Choose a hawk that seems calm and docile when handled. Agitated or nervous hawks may be prone to flying off.
– Origins – Hawks caught from the wild may train better than captive-bred birds unfamiliar with hunting. But wild-caught birds require rehabilitation.
– Conformation – Avoid birds with any defects in legs, eyes, feathers or other vital structures. Pick a strong, robust hawk.
With time and experience, you will be able to assess a red-tail’s potential by its behavior and condition. Patience is required to find just the right hawk with an innate affinity for training.
Typical prey taken by red-tailed hawks used in falconry
When trained for falconry, red-tailed hawks are well-suited to hunting certain types of small game and pests:
Rabbits – Cottontails, jackrabbits, hares. A staple prey they are adept at catching.
Tree squirrels – Fox squirrels, gray squirrels, pine squirrels. Easily caught by red-tails when spotted from a perch.
Rats – Brown rats, roof rats. Eradicate these agricultural pests.
Pigeons – Rock pigeons, common nuisance birds in cities.
Doves – Mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves. More challenging flying prey.
Snakes – Garter snakes, rat snakes, racers. Prey on venomous species at own risk.
Lizards – Fence lizards, skinks, horned lizards. Slower but easier cold-blooded prey.
Squirrel-sized mammals – Ground squirrels, voles, muskrats, marmots. Red-tails are natural rodent hunters.
For the best success, match the hawk’s target prey to what is abundant in your hunting area during the desired season. With practice, red-tailed hawks can become quite effective on a wide variety of small game.
Facilities needed to house and care for a red-tailed hawk
If undertaking the commitment required to properly care for a red-tailed hawk, specialized housing and equipment must be constructed. At minimum, these facilities are needed:
– Mews – An enclosed, weatherproof structure where the hawk can be tethered safely on a perch when not hunting.
– Outdoor weathering area – A partially-open structure that allows the hawk access to sunshine, fresh air and bathing opportunities while protected from escape and predators.
– Perches – Sturdy, comfortable perches of varying sizes and textures help keep feet healthy. Natural tree branches work well.
– Bathing container – A pan of clean water must be available for the hawk to bathe and maintain feather hygiene.
– Outdoor perches – Weathering areas should have natural branch perches for exercising and enjoying the outdoors.
– Secure doors/walls – All mews and weathering areas must be made of sturdy materials and tightly fitted to prevent injury or escape.
– Falconry equipment – This includes jesses (ankle straps), leash, swivel, glove, bag, scales and other gear.
– Food preparation area – A separate hygienic area for food preparation helps prevent disease. Stainless steel surfaces are easy to disinfect.
– Storage for food – Freezers, refrigerators and containers to store fresh raptor diet items at proper temperatures.
Creating and maintaining these housing facilities requires significant investment of time, space and money. But they are absolutely essential for humanely keeping a red-tailed hawk.
Typical diet for a captive red-tailed hawk
Red-tailed hawks kept in captivity for falconry require a diet that mimics the variety of prey they naturally catch in the wild:
– Whole prey – Meat and bones of rodents and rabbits offer complete nutrition and help keep beaks trimmed.
– Muscle meat – Raw chicken, beef, venison, lamb, rabbit or other meat. Provides protein.
– Organ meats – Heart, liver and kidney offer key nutrients not found in muscle alone.
– Bones/calcium – Whole prey or calcium supplements are vital to prevent bone and eggshell issues.
– Vitamins – A, D3, E, K supplements ensure optimal vitamin levels.
– Birds – Chicks, quail or other small bird carcasses offer an enriching diet variety.
– Fish – Salmon, trout, catfish or other oily fish for protein and omega-3s.
– Fruits/veggies – Limited amounts of berries, greens and squash can supplement.
A varied, rotating menu following these nutrition guidelines helps keep a captive red-tail healthy and well-fed. Careful weighing and portioning of food is necessary as well.
Common health issues with captive red-tailed hawks
Like any pet, red-tailed hawks can develop certain health problems that a falconer must be alert for and able to treat:
– Obesity – Overfeeding and inadequate exercise can quickly lead to dangerous obesity. Strict weight monitoring and diet control is key.
– Bumblefoot – Inflamed foot sores caused by perches that are too narrow or abrasive. Ensure proper perch width and padding.
– Trichomoniasis – Common protozoal infection that causes canker sores in the mouth. Oral medications like Spartrix can treat it.
– Aspergillosis – Fungal respiratory infection that can spread rapidly. Treatment involves antifungal medications.
– Avian pox – Viral skin infection causing wart-like lesions on the feet and eyes. Usually self-limiting.
– Bacterial infections – E. coli, staph, and other bacteria can cause life-threatening illness in raptors. Oftentimes, antibiotics are needed.
– Feather damage – Broken blood feathers, damaged growing feathers, or stress bars in the feathers indicate poor nutrition or facilities.
Close daily monitoring, routine health exams by a vet, and quarantining new birds are critical for catching any health issues early and swiftly intervening.
Ensuring proper nutrition
The diet for a captive red-tail must be carefully formulated and delivered in appropriate amounts to maintain good health and flying weight:
– Weigh birds daily – Monitor weight trends to adjust feeding amounts and prevent obesity/emaciation.
– Vary diet – Follow natural feeding patterns by offering different prey species in rotation over time.
– Supplement selectively – Use supplements only to address known deficiencies. Excess supplementation can cause issues.
– Feed whole prey often – At least a few times weekly, offer whole rodents/rabbits to allow natural foraging and chewing of bones.
– Fast 1 day a week – Fasting promotes gut health and better appetite on hunting days. Only fast healthy, non-compromised birds.
– Remove leftovers promptly – Uneaten food must be discarded within hours to avoid spoilage, bacteria and pests.
– Clean feeding areas – Sterilize food/water bowls and disinfect surfaces to prevent spread of diseases.
– Test new foods slowly – Gradually introduce any new diet items to watch for potential allergies or intolerance.
With meticulous attention to detail, a nutritionally complete diet can help the hawk stay healthy and energized for training and hunting.
Tips for successful training
A close bond built on trust, patience and mutual respect between falconer and hawk is essential for training success. Here are some top tips:
– Begin young – Hawks trained from a young age will imprint better on their human partner. Older birds can be more stubborn.
– Reward good behavior – Use tidbits of favorite foods to positively reinforce desired responses.
– Keep sessions brief – Short, focused daily training periods are more effective than prolonged, stressful sessions.
– Watch weight and food intake – Make sure the hawk is fit and hungry enough to be motivated to work for rewards.
– Reduce distractions – Train in quiet settings before gradually exposing the hawk to more stimuli.
– Stay calm – Your energy and emotions will influence the hawk. Be patient, consistent and reassuring.
– End on a high note – After a successful behavior, end the session and give an extra reward.
– Use a consistent call/signal – The hawk will associate this with returning to the gloved hand for food.
Proper training techniques make the process lower-stress and more rewarding for both falconer and hawk.
Safety precautions for hunting with a red-tailed hawk
When using a red-tailed hawk for hunting, some important safety measures should be followed:
– Always wear a helmet/face protection – Protect head from potential injury if the hawk strikes inaccurately.
– Carry a thick falconer’s glove – Safeguard forearm from the hawk’s talons when it lands.
– Use radio telemetry – Affix ankle transmitters to be able to track a lost hawk’s location quickly.
– Have first aid supplies on hand – Disinfectants, antibiotic ointment, tape, scissors, towels, etc.
– Know your hunting area – Be aware of terrain hazards, poisonous plants, dangerous wildlife, human activity, etc.
– Check hawk’s health pre-hunt – Do not work with any hawk showing signs of illness or injury.
– Obey hunting laws/regulations – Follow all rules, seasons, permit requirements, etc. to hunt legally and ethically.
– Carefully supervise the hawk – Never leave a hawk unattended outdoors or allow it to become untethered.
Safety must be the top priority for both falconer and raptor when using a hawk for hunting. With proper precautions, risks can be minimized.
Conclusion
In summary, red-tailed hawks are highly skilled predators that can be trained successfully to hunt small game and pests in the ancient sport of falconry. However, using these majestic birds of prey for hunting should only be attempted by experts able to make the extensive commitments needed to care for the hawks properly and employ them in an ethical, sustainable manner. With diligent study of raptor biology, devoted daily care and housing, regular veterinary monitoring, and adherence to strict hunting regulations, the red-tailed hawk can be an effective hunting partner when paired with an experienced falconer. But pursuing falconry as a casual hobby would do these birds a great disservice. The intricate art of training a red-tailed hawk in the ways of its wild ancestors requires dedication to the bird’s wellbeing and to upholding the noble traditions of this ancient practice.