Red-tailed Hawk

El Aguililla Cola Roja ha sido la piedra angular de la cetrería norteamericana desde que este arte echó raíces en el continente. Mientras los cetreros europeos favorecían históricamente al Azor y al Halcón Peregrino, los practicantes americanos descubrieron que el abundante Cola Roja era ideal para los diversos paisajes del Nuevo Mundo. Hoy, aproximadamente el 60-70 por ciento de los aprendices comienzan con un Cola Roja de pasaje, convirtiéndolo con diferencia en la rapaz más volada en Estados Unidos. Su combinación de disponibilidad, resistencia y capacidad de caza asegura su continua prominencia como el ave de cetrería americana por excelencia.

Why Red-tails for Beginners?

There’s a reason the vast majority of American apprentices start with a Red-tailed Hawk. These birds possess a rare combination of traits that make them ideal for learning the craft:

Temperament

Red-tails are often described as “stoic” or “businesslike.” They’re not as demonstratively bonded as Harris’s Hawks, nor as high-strung as accipiters. What you see is what you get.

Individual birds vary considerably. Some are bold and aggressive hunters; others are more cautious. Some become very tame; others remain somewhat aloof. This variability is part of what makes each bird unique.

Passage (first-year) Red-tails are generally easier to train than adults. They haven’t yet developed the wariness of mature birds, and they’re still in “learning mode”—perfect for a new falconer who’s also learning.

Hunting Style

Red-tails are soaring buteos in the wild, using their broad wings to ride thermals while scanning for prey below. In falconry, they adapt readily to several hunting styles:

Fist Hawking

The most common method for beginners. The hawk rides the fist while the falconer walks through likely habitat. When quarry flushes, the hawk launches from the glove in pursuit.

Tree Perching

The hawk follows the falconer from tree to tree, watching for quarry to flush. This takes advantage of their natural hunting behavior and can be very effective in appropriate terrain.

Post Hawking

The hawk perches on a T-post or natural perch while the falconer beats brush to flush quarry. Popular in open country with scattered fence posts.

Un día de caza típico con un Aguililla Cola Roja comienza pesando al ave al amanecer y cargando el equipo en el vehículo. En el campo de caza, el cetrero suelta al ave, que se posa en un árbol cercano. El cetrero entonces camina entre los matorrales, pateando los posibles escondites de conejos mientras el ave sigue desde los árboles. Cuando un conejo salta, el ave se lanza desde su posadero en un picado impresionante. Exitoso o no, la intensidad de ese momento—el ave plegando alas y picando entre las ramas—es lo que hace que los cetreros de Cola Roja regresen temporada tras temporada.

Quarry

Red-tails are versatile hunters capable of taking a variety of game:

Female Red-tails (larger) can handle larger quarry like jackrabbits, though this is challenging and not recommended for beginners. Males are often more agile and can be excellent squirrel hawks.

Weight Management

Weight management is crucial in falconry, and red-tails give you some room for error—but not unlimited room.

Red-tails are relatively “fat-tolerant”—they’ll still respond and hunt at weights that would make other species sluggish. This gives beginners more margin for error while learning to read their bird.

Training Timeline

Individual birds vary, but here’s a rough timeline for a passage Red-tail:

Don’t rush. Some birds progress faster; others take longer. The goal is a reliable, well-manned bird—not a speed record.

Housing Requirements

Red-tails are adaptable but need appropriate shelter:

• Mews size: Minimum 8’ × 8’ (larger is better)
• Perching: At least one shelf perch and one round perch
• Weathering: Outdoor area with shade, perch, and bath
• Protection: Must be secure from predators (raccoons, dogs, etc.)
• Ventilation: Good airflow but protection from drafts

El cuidado diario de un Aguililla Cola Roja sigue una rutina constante. Cada mañana, el cetrero pesa al ave en una balanza de gramos para determinar su disposición para cazar. Se proporciona agua fresca en la bañera, y la muda se inspecciona en busca de excrementos, egágropilas y cualquier signo de problemas de salud. La alimentación ocurre después de la caza o sesión de entrenamiento del día, con porciones cuidadosamente medidas para mantener el peso óptimo de vuelo. Los pies, plumas y la cera se examinan regularmente en busca de signos de pododermatitis, daño o parásitos. Esta atención diaria disciplinada es lo que construye una asociación de caza confiable.

Common Health Issues

Red-tails are generally hardy, but watch for:

• Frounce (trichomoniasis): Parasite causing mouth/throat lesions. Inspect regularly.
• Aspergillosis: Fungal respiratory infection. Keep housing clean and dry.
• Bumblefoot: Foot infection from poor perching. Use appropriate perch diameters.
• Parasites: Internal and external. Regular vet checks recommended.
• Injuries: From quarry, fences, or accidents. Part of the sport.

Find a raptor-savvy veterinarian before you need one. Your sponsor can likely recommend someone.

Male vs. Female

In raptors, females are larger than males (called “reverse sexual dimorphism”). Both sexes work well in falconry:

The Bottom Line

Red-tailed Hawks aren’t just “beginner birds” to move past—many experienced falconers choose to fly them their entire careers. They’re capable, dignified partners that have earned their place as the cornerstone of American falconry.

If you’re starting your falconry journey, you could hardly do better than a good passage Red-tail and a knowledgeable sponsor to guide you.