At what age might aggression in a Red-tailed Hawk start to manifest?

Aggression in a Red-tailed Hawk typically begins to manifest around the second or third year of life. This period aligns with the hawk reaching sexual maturity, which is commonly associated with changes in behavior. During this time, the bird may become more territorial and assertive as it engages in breeding activities and establishes a dominance hierarchy.

Before this period, young hawks are generally still learning to hunt and survive, focusing on skill development rather than establishing territory or asserting dominance. By the time they reach the second or third year, their more aggressive behaviors can emerge, particularly as they begin to compete for resources and mates. Understanding this timeline is important for falconers, as it helps to anticipate and manage potential aggressive behaviors in their birds during training and handling.