Red-Shouldered Hawk Nesting: A Complete Guide

The red-shouldered hawk has a wide distribution, mainly in eastern North America and western California.

However, it has recently expanded to Oregon and Arizona. Eastern and western populations of this raptor inhabit riparian hardwood and mixed coniferous forests.

Nesting habitats for red-shouldered hawks include tall, large-diameter trees that they can build under the canopy while remaining high off the ground. Nesting sites are near or in riparian areas such as streams or ponds.

The red-shouldered hawk’s nesting season usually begins in early spring. There are indeed some differences between different regions.

In this complete guide to red-shouldered eagle nesting, we take a closer look at nesting habits and habitat requirements. Read on to discover more!

Red-shouldered hawk in the nest

Where do red-shouldered hawks nest?

Red-shouldered hawks typically nest in deciduous (hardwood) or mixed coniferous forests. Larix are common nesting sites because of their dense foliage.

Nests are built on tree trunks to provide maximum protection from predators and the natural environment. Also, unlike other raptors that nest in treetops (above the canopy), red-shouldered hawks nest under the canopy cover of forests.

Despite being built below the canopy, these hawks still prefer to nest 40 to 60 feet off the ground. Nesting trees are usually taller and larger in diameter than other surrounding trees.

What tree do red-shouldered hawks nest in?

Red-shouldered hawks nest in a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees. Larks and hemlocks are the most common nesting sites. These hawks require tall trees with a large diameter where they can nest under the canopy, at least 40 feet off the ground.

Red-shouldered hawk with chicks in nest

What does a red-shouldered eagle nest look like?

Red-shouldered eagle nests form a circular platform made of branches and other plant matter. Building materials include living and dead limbs, fresh evergreen twigs, leaves, corn husks, cobs, whole plants (such as marron), tissue, straw, and old songbird nests.

The interior is lined with softer materials such as moss, lichen, and other soft plant matter. Sprigs of fresh hemlock or other evergreens are often added throughout the nesting period.

Female red-shouldered eagle sitting on her nest

How big is a red-shouldered eagle’s nest?

Red-shouldered hawk nests are large. The outer diameter is usually 45-60 cm and the inner or cavity diameter is 20 cm. The nest height is usually 20-30 cm, while the internal depth is 7-7.5 cm.

What time of year do red-shouldered hawks nest?

The time of year for red-shouldered hawks to nest varies by region. Most eastern populations are between March and April. However, residents of southern Florida could lay their eggs as early as late January. Birds on the West Coast also lay their eggs early, starting in February.

Hatching usually occurs between April and May, except further north. In eastern Canada and the far north of the United States, red-shouldered hawks may not lay their eggs until late May. Therefore, hatching will not start until June.

In general, nesting usually occurs between spring and midsummer, with birds in warmer regions beginning to build their nests in winter.

Red-shouldered hawk perched in summer

How long do red-shouldered hawks nest?

The breeding season begins with courtship. A pair usually begins building or renovating their den during courtship. Nest construction can take anywhere from 7 days (renovation) to 4-5 weeks (from scratch).

After building the nest, the female lays her eggs shortly thereafter. The incubation period lasts 32-40 days. Then, the chick period lasts another 42-49 days.

From nesting to young birds leaving the nest, the breeding period is about 150 days.

How do red-shouldered hawks build their nests?

Red-shouldered hawks build their nests by gathering materials and shaping them into a circular platform with a cavity in the middle. The materials mainly include various sticks and branches.

Additional plant matter was placed around the exterior and used to line the interior after the foundation was completed.

Nests are usually located in the bends of the tree, against the main trunk. This helps hide the location and protect the site from the elements.

Nesting red-shouldered hawk gathering material for nesting

When do baby red-shouldered hawks leave the nest?

Young red-shouldered hawks usually leave the nest when they are 42 to 49 days old.

Young birds are fed by their parents until they are fledgling. The female will stay almost exclusively with the chicks for about three weeks. During this time, males are the only meal providers.

After about three weeks, the pups become more independent and are able to tear apart food on their own. At this time, the female also begins to leave the nest to hunt.

A pair of red-shouldered eagle chicks in the nest

How many litters does a red-shouldered hawk have?

Red-shouldered hawks give birth to one litter per year. Since the first nest cycle takes nearly 150 days to complete from pairing to eclosion, there is little time left for the second nest.

A pair may have a replacement clutch if the first brood is unsuccessful. A lot depends on the time of year and food availability.

If the time is early and food is plentiful, the clutch may need to be replaced. If it’s too late into summer, the birds will wait until the next breeding season to lay their eggs.

Do red-shouldered hawks nest in the same place every year?

Red-shouldered hawks have been known to reuse the same nest for years. Yes are monogamous and return to the same area year after year so it makes sense to refurbish the old nest. This process is much faster than a rebuild, which can take 4-5 weeks.

If a nest is destroyed or a pair loses a brood, they will usually nest in a new location next year. Otherwise, the birds mostly return to the same location.

A pair of spring red-shouldered hawks

What do red-shouldered eagle eggs look like?

Red-shouldered hawks usually have 2-4 eggs, about 54.5mm long and 43.3mm wide. Dimensions may vary slightly by region. The color is mainly pure white or light blue with brown and lavender markings.

What month do red-shouldered hawks lay eggs?

The month in which red-shouldered hawks lay their eggs depends largely on the region in which they live. Laying occurs mainly between March and early April. However, in colder regions such as eastern Canada and the northern United States, egg production does not start until late May.

Young red-shouldered hawk recently full-fledged

Do male red-shouldered hawks sit on eggs?

In most cases, the female sits on the eggs while the male hunts and brings her food. However, if the female needs to leave the nest to feed or tidy up, the male will incubate the eggs for a short time.

Do red-shouldered hawks use nest boxes?

Red-shouldered hawks may use nest boxes, or more accurately, nesting platforms. These will need to replicate the natural nesting habitats of birds of prey.

The placement needs to be 40 to 60 feet in the air, preferably against a tree trunk where the foliage provides good shade.

Red-shouldered eagle chicks spread their wings in the nest

Where do red-shouldered hawks nest at night?

During the nesting season, the females remain on or near the nest at night while the males stay nearby. However, when not caring for chicks, red-shouldered hawks often nest high in the foliage, close to tree trunks—a nest-like position.

Such a place offers the best protection from predators and bad weather.

Are red-shouldered hawks nesting in the backyard?

Red-shouldered hawks have been known to typically nest in backyards and populated areas. When this happens, raptors still need the same habitat specifications, namely trees of large height and diameter near water sources.

Close-up of a red-shouldered hawk perched on a backyard fence

Do red-shouldered hawks abandon their nests?

Red-shouldered hawks will only abandon their nests if there is significant disturbance or if the nest is destroyed. Generally speaking, birds of prey such as the red-shouldered hawk will defend their territory and not give it up to predators or competitors.

Do red-shouldered hawks nest on the ground?

Red-shouldered hawks do not nest on the ground. This will expose the raptor. In addition, their eggs or juveniles are more likely to be predated. Instead, these birds have adapted to nest in tall trees.