Quick Answer
Yes, red-tailed hawks can be used for falconry. They are a popular choice among falconers in North America due to their availability, hardy nature, and versatility as hunting birds. However, they do have some drawbacks compared to other falconry birds.
Overview of Red-Tailed Hawks
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. They can be found in a variety of habitats from forests to deserts. Some key facts about red-tailed hawks:
- Length: 19-25 inches
- Wingspan: 44-52 inches
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Lifespan: Up to 28 years in captivity
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
- Breeding: Nests in trees or on cliffs; 2-3 eggs per clutch
Red-tailed hawks exhibit a high degree of variability in their plumage. In general, they have a brownish upper body and a pale underbelly with a dark band on the belly. The most distinctive feature that gives them their name is the reddish-brown tail.
Advantages of Using Red-Tailed Hawks
Here are some of the main advantages of using red-tailed hawks for falconry:
- Availability – Red-tailed hawks are widespread and fairly common in many areas, making them easy to obtain for falconry.
- Hardiness – They are adaptable birds that can tolerate a variety of weather conditions and habitats. This makes them good for beginner falconers.
- Versatile hunting – Red-tails can be used to hunt many types of small game and birds. They employ a range of hunting techniques.
- Docile nature – They tend to be calm and easy to handle compared to other falconry raptors.
- Impressive size – Their large size allows them to tackle larger prey.
The availability and docile nature of red-tailed hawks makes them a great species for those new to falconry who need to gain experience handling raptors. The red-tail’s hardiness also means they have some room for mistakes that could be detrimental for more delicate species.
Disadvantages of Red-Tailed Hawks
However, there are some disadvantages to using red-tailed hawks for falconry:
- Slow flight – Red-tails are not built for speed like peregrine falcons or goshawks.
- Heavy weight – Their large size makes them slower and less agile flyers.
- Short flight range – They do not pursue prey over long distances.
- Easily distracted – Red-tails can be prone to distraction and following other birds instead of focusing on the quarry.
- Perch-and-wait style – Their typical hunting strategy is waiting on a perch rather than active aerial pursuit.
The red-tail’s slower, shorter flight and limited aerial agility can make it less exciting to fly than other falconry birds that exhibit spectacular aerial capabilities. Their perch-and-wait style also requires different handling techniques compared to birds that are flown actively in the field.
Is a Red-Tailed Hawk a Good First Falconry Bird?
Red-tailed hawks are considered one of the best raptor species for beginners in falconry. Here are some key reasons why:
- Their availability makes them easy to acquire.
- Their hardiness and adaptability provides some margin of error for novice falconers.
- Their generally calm disposition makes handling them less challenging.
- Their large size and strength allows them to be flown at most common falconry quarry.
- Their versatile hunting abilties provide opportunities to gain experience.
The red-tail’s attributes help novice falconers develop essential skills like training, handling, and hunting with a raptor. While not the most flashy or exciting species to fly, their strengths make red-tailed hawks an ideal starting point for new falconers.
What Do Red-Tailed Hawks Hunt?
In the wild, red-tailed hawks are opportunistic predators that hunt a variety of small game and birds. Some of their most common wild prey includes:
- Squirrels
- Rats
- Mice
- Voles
- Rabbits
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Small birds
When flown for falconry, they can be used to hunt:
- Rabbits
- Hares
- Squirrels
- Rats
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Doves
- Pigeons
Their versatile hunting abilities allow red-tailed hawks to pursue most common types of small game and birds found in North America and Europe.
Training a Red-Tailed Hawk for Falconry
Getting a red-tailed hawk ready for falconry requires patience and dedicated training. Here is an overview of the training process:
- Manning – Getting the hawk accustomed to people and handling.
- Hood training – Conditioning the hawk to accept wearing a hood.
- Luring – Teaching the hawk to chase a lure for food rewards.
- Weight management – Regulating the hawk’s weight to optimize hunting ability and food motivation.
- Flight conditioning – Building up the hawk’s flight muscles and stamina.
- Hunt training – Introducing the hawk to quarry and teaching hunting skills.
This process takes many weeks and even months before a red-tailed hawk can be competently flown free at quarry. A strong partnership and trust must be established between the falconer and hawk.
Key Points in Training Red-Tailed Hawks
- Work on manning early and frequently to get the hawk accustomed to handling.
- Be patient and keep hood training sessions brief at first to avoid frightening the hawk.
- Use tidbits and food lures to build an association between the falconer and getting fed.
- Get the hawk flying to and from the fist for longer durations to build flight muscles.
- Introduce the hawk to quarry using a creance (tether) before flying free.
With time and dedication, a red-tailed hawk can be transformed from a wild raptor into a trained falconry partner.
Facilities and Equipment Needed
Falconers must have appropriate facilities and equipment to house and fly red-tailed hawks. Below are some essentials:
Facilities
- A weathering area for the hawk to live outdoors
- A sheltered giant hood or box perch for protection
- A large enclosure for flight conditioning
Equipment
- Leashes and swivels
- Bath pan
- Hood
- Giantess jesses or hobble straps
- Falconry gloves
- Portable perch
- Lures
- Creance (tether)
- Bells or transmitters for tracking
- Scale for weighing hawk
A red-tailed hawk’s size and strength necessitates equipment designed for large raptors. Proper facilities and gear helps ensure effective training and safe handling.
Acquiring a Red-Tailed Hawk
In most areas, falconers must possess proper permits and licenses to acquire a red-tailed hawk for falconry. There are a few options for obtaining one:
- Captive breeding – Purchasing from a reputable falcon breeder.
- Wild capture – Trapping a hawk under supervision during allowed seasons.
- Rehabilitation – Receiving an unreleasable hawk from a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Transfer – Getting a trained hawk from another falconer.
Regardless of the acquisition method, the hawk should be examined by an experienced veterinarian to ensure it is healthy before being trained. Any hawk taken from the wild will need a period of quarantine and observation as well.
Costs of Housing, Feeding, and Caring for a Red-Tailed Hawk
Owning and flying a red-tailed hawk is a significant commitment in both time and money. Here are some of the costs involved:
Housing
Building suitable facilities can cost $1,000-$5,000 depending on materials and size. Some housing costs may include:
- Weathering area construction
- Giant hoods or perch boxes
- Outdoor tethering perches
- Enclosures for flight conditioning
Equipment
Basic equipment for one hawk can cost $500-$2,000. Expenses may include:
- Anklets, jesses, leashes, swivels
- Bath pans, scales, hoods
- Gloves, telemetry equipment
- Transport carriers
- Lures, creance lines
Food
Food costs range from $15-$30 per week to feed a hawk a nutritious diet. This includes:
- Chicks, mice, rats, quail
- Rabbit, beef, venison
- Vitamin supplements
Veterinary Care
Annual vet exams, vaccines, and lab tests can cost $200-$500. Additional costs for injuries or illnesses may also be incurred over the hawk’s lifetime.
Other Costs
Other potential expenses to factor in:
- Travel to hunting areas
- Falconry permit fees
- Membership fees in clubs
While not cheap, caring for a falconry hawk is very rewarding. Proper facilities, equipment, and healthcare helps ensure a good quality of life.
Rules and Regulations for Falconry
In the United States, falconry is regulated under both federal and state laws. Here are some key regulations:
- Must possess state and federal falconry permits.
- Permits require passing a written exam.
- Apprentice falconers must capture a wild hawk themselves.
- Limits are set on the number of hawks possessed.
- Hawks must be housed in humane facilities.
- Only native species may be used.
- Mandatory reporting of acquisition, transfer, loss of birds.
- Hunting regulations dictate legal quarry species.
These regulations serve to protect raptor populations, ensure ethical practices, and preserve falconry for future generations. Adherence to the rules is a crucial part of the sport.
Joining Falconry Clubs and Associations
Many falconers join local, state, and national clubs and associations centered around falconry and raptor preservation. Here are some benefits:
- Connect with the wider falconry community.
- Take educational seminars and classes.
- Get expert mentoring for apprentices.
- Find others to hunt with.
- Locate additional housing, facilities.
- Purchase equipment & supplies.
- Discuss regulations, advocacy.
Some well-known falconry associations in the U.S. include the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) and the Aplomado Falcon Release Consortium. Joining clubs is a great way for falconers to improve their skills while supporting raptor conservation.
Conclusion
The red-tailed hawk is considered an excellent beginner species for the sport of falconry. With patience and dedicated training, they can become accomplished hunting partners. While not the most swift and agile bird used in falconry, red-tails offer availability, hardiness, and versatility. Their attributes make them a popular choice among many North American and European falconers. Along with proper facilities, equipment, healthcare, and adherence to regulations, red-tailed hawks can provide an unforgettable falconry experience for dedicated practitioners of the sport.