Red-tailed Hawks typically put their nests in the crowns of tall
trees where they have a commanding view of the landscape. They
may also nest on a cliff ledge or on artificial structures such
as window ledges and billboard platforms. Both members build the
nest, or simply refurbish one of the nests they’ve used in
previous years. Nests are tall piles of dry sticks up to 6.5
feet high and 3 feet across. The inner cup is lined with bark
strips, fresh foliage, and dry vegetation. Construction takes
4-7 days. White or buffy, blotched or speckled with buff, brown,
or purple. Condition at Hatching Tiny and helpless, unable to
raise head, and weighing about 2 ounces. Mammals make up the
bulk of most Red-tailed Hawk meals. Frequent victims include
voles, mice, wood rats, rabbits, snowshoe hares, jackrabbits,
and ground squirrels. The hawks also eat birds, including
pheasants, bobwhite, starlings, and blackbirds; as well as
snakes and carrion. Individual prey items can weigh anywhere
from less than an ounce to more th