Quick Answers
Red-shouldered hawks are not generally considered aggressive birds. While they will defend their nests and territories from perceived threats, they rarely attack humans. Their aggressiveness depends on the situation – nesting red-shouldered hawks may act more boldly, while lone hawks are typically shy. Overall, red-shouldered hawks pose little threat to people.
Red-shouldered Hawk Overview
The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a medium-sized hawk found in forests and wetlands of North America. Some key facts about red-shouldered hawks:
- Length: 15-19 inches
- Wingspan: 37-42 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds average
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years in wild
- Identifying marks: Brick-red shoulders, strongly banded tail
- Prey: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds
Red-shouldered hawks are territorial and monogamous. Their breeding season runs from March through July, during which time they become more defensive of nest sites. Nests are often built high in trees near water.
Red-Shouldered Hawk Temperament
Red-shouldered hawks are not known for aggressive behavior towards people. They tend to be shy birds when encountered alone. However, they can demonstrate aggressive displays such as loud calls and swooping flights when defending nests and territories.
Red-shouldered hawk aggression increases during breeding season as they work to protect eggs and hatchlings. Even so, they rarely make physical contact with intruders. Any aggression is limited to intimidation tactics.
Nesting red-shouldered hawks may “dive bomb” perceived threats that get too close to the nest. Again, actual attacks are uncommon. This is simply an effort to drive the intruder away.
In rare cases when a red-shouldered hawk does become overly aggressive, it’s likely an inexperienced young bird struggling to establish its territory. As the hawk matures, this behavior usually diminishes.
Interactions with Humans
Due to their shy and retiring nature, red-shouldered hawks pose little threat to humans. There are no known reports of red-shouldered hawks killing small pets or aggressively attacking people without provocation.
However, nesting red-shouldered hawks may consider humans a threat if they approach too closely to a nest site. The birds will attempt to scare intruders away with loud vocalizations and by diving in the direction of, but not directly at, the person.
Again, actual contact is rare, but possible. A threatened red-shouldered hawk is capable of inflicting wounds with its talons in a true attack. But this would only occur as an absolute last resort.
Some key tips for avoiding conflict with nesting red-shouldered hawks:
- Give nest trees a wide berth during breeding season
- Never attempt to agitate or poke at a nest
- Do not linger near a nest site
- If diving occurs, calmly leave the area
Being aware of low swoops and respecting the hawk’s space will allow birders and others to safely observe this species. Healthy hawk populations need adequate nesting areas free from human interference.
Are Red-Shouldered Hawks Dangerous to Pets?
Red-shouldered hawks are predators capable of taking small mammals and birds. However, they are unlikely to attack pets, especially larger dogs and cats.
There are no documented cases of red-shouldered hawks killing small dogs or cats. At most, they may raid backyard bird feeders when other prey is scarce.
Very small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs could potentially be vulnerable if left unattended in outdoor hutches. But most cats and dogs, even smaller breeds, are able to deter hawk attacks.
Owners should still supervise pets outdoors during the hawk breeding season from March to July. Nesting red-shouldered hawks are more likely to consider a pet near the nest a threat.
But in general, red-shouldered hawks prefer to avoid contact with humans and pets. They capture most of their prey on the wing in open areas.
Preventing Conflicts
To reduce any risk of conflicts with red-shouldered hawks, follow these tips:
- Do not leave very small pets unattended outside
- Keep cats indoors or supervise time outdoors
- Do not let pets roam nesting areas during breeding season
- Deter hawks from nesting close to your home
- Scare away hawks exhibiting territorial behavior
Removing brush piles and trimming trees around your home’s perimeter can discourage nest building nearby.
Harassing hawks attempting to build nests, through loud noises or water sprayed from a hose, may prevent them from settling in an undesirable spot on your property. But be sure to avoid illegal or harmful harassment of protected birds.
Legal Status of Red-Shouldered Hawks
The red-shouldered hawk is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This makes it illegal to harm, harass, or kill red-shouldered hawks, their nests, and eggs.
Fines for violating the MBTA can reach up to $15,000 and include possible imprisonment for up to six months. Exceptions may be granted for public health and safety reasons, but requires formal permits.
Many states also have laws prohibiting disturbing active raptor nests on private property. For example, in California it is illegal to trim branches or remove a nest tree during nesting season.
Check your local and state laws before taking any actions that may affect red-shouldered hawks on your land. While they are not considered endangered, it’s important to maintain protected status for this vital raptor species.
Comparison to Other Hawk Species
Red-shouldered hawks are moderately territorial for a raptor species. They can become defensive of nest sites during breeding season. However, they are not as notoriously aggressive as some other hawks.
Cooper’s Hawks
Cooper’s hawks are known for being very bold and aggressive in attacking perceived threats near their nests. They frequently buzz and dive at human heads during nest defense. Cooper’s hawks also prey readily on small pets and backyard birds.
Red-tailed Hawks
Red-tailed hawks are larger and tend to be more confident around humans than red-shouldered hawks. They may swoop at people who get too close. But red-tailed hawk attacks are rare and they pose minimal danger overall.
Sharp-shinned Hawks
Sharp-shinned hawks are smaller but can be fiercely defensive of nests. They will aggressively dive at intruders. However, their small size limits the danger to people.
Overall, while red-shouldered hawks will act to protect nests if needed, they do not exhibit the strongly aggressive tendencies of other hawk species. Their shy, retiring nature makes them less prone to attack.
Signs of Aggressive Hawks
Nesting red-shouldered hawks communicate clearly when they feel threatened. Be alert for these signs of defensive behavior:
- Loud, screaming “kee-aah” calls
- Hovering directly overhead
- Low swoops past your head
- Beating wings and raised feathers
- Exposed talons during dives
These actions are primarily bluffing meant to scare away intruders. But they may signal potential danger from an especially agitated hawk.
Stay calm and slowly back away from the nest. If you leave promptly, the hawks will abandon their harassment once the threat leaves.
Actual Hawk Attacks
Full hawk attacks are very rare. But if a hawk makes direct contact, it will attempt to scratch with its talons and possibly bite with its hooked beak.
Defensive actions like waving arms overhead or opening an umbrella can deter attack. Seek medical care if you receive any puncture wounds from talons, which can introduce dangerous bacteria.
Actual hawk attacks warrant reporting to your state’s wildlife agency. This may indicate an unusually aggressive bird requiring intervention.
Red-Shouldered Hawk Nesting Behavior
To understand red-shouldered hawk aggression, it helps to know their nesting habits and behaviors:
- Build large stick nests high in trees, reuse for multiple seasons
- Lay 2-4 eggs from March to May
- Only female incubates eggs for 28-35 days
- Young fledge at 4-5 weeks old
- Fledglings dependent on parents another 4-6 weeks
- May produce a single brood per year
- Both parents defend nest from predators
Nest defense is critical because a failed nest can mean a lost breeding season. Red-shouldered hawks are long-lived and produce relatively few offspring over time. Each reproductive chance is important to preserve the species.
This is why red-shouldered hawks become more aggressive during the weeks surrounding egg laying, incubation, and rearing of young. They must ensure eggs hatch and fledglings survive to adulthood.
Nest Site Selection
Red-shouldered hawks typically nest in dense, wet woodlands near streams, rivers, or wetlands. This provides adequate food sources like frogs, fish, and voles.
Ideally, nests are built high up in large, mature trees. Oak, cypress, willow, and pine trees are common nest sites. This protects eggs and chicks from ground predators.
If quality nesting habitat is scarce, red-shouldered hawks may establish nests closer to human activity. They may then perceive people, pets, and noise as threats to avoid.
Reducing Hawk-Human Conflicts
While red-shouldered hawk aggression is generally minor, nesting birds may clash with nearby homeowners. Strategies to reduce conflicts include:
Discourage Nesting
Trim trees and remove brush around your residence starting in late winter to detract nesting hawks. Install stakes or wire spikes on potential perches.
Method | Timing |
---|---|
Tree/brush removal | Late winter |
Anti-perching devices | Fall/winter |
Avoid Disturbing Nests
If hawks already occupy a nest on your property, stay away from the area and limit noise from March to July. Never attempt to remove or destroy an active nest.
Deter Aggressive Hawks
Respond aggressively to swooping or diving hawks by waving arms, spraying water, and making loud noises to encourage them to leave.
Eliminate Food Sources
Remove outdoor pet food, enclose poultry, and trim vegetation that attracts small prey to eliminate any incentives for hawks to hunt on your land.
Seek Permits
As a last resort, obtain federal and state permits to remove problematic nests after breeding season ends in late summer.
Conclusion
In summary, red-shouldered hawks are not considered highly aggressive birds, especially in comparison to other raptors. They prefer to avoid confrontation with humans or pets if possible.
However, nesting red-shouldered hawks will act defensively to protect eggs and young from perceived threats. This may include swooping at intruders with talons exposed. Actual attacks are very rare and unlikely to cause serious harm.
To prevent conflicts, be mindful of nest locations from March to July. Give broad berth to active nests and do not linger nearby. Harassing or destroying nests is illegal without permits.
With proper precautions, red-shouldered hawks and humans can coexist peacefully. These beautiful raptors play an important role controlling rodent and reptile populations where they live. By respecting their space during nesting season, we can support flourishing hawk populations.