How can the sex of Red-tailed Hawks be predicted?

The sex of Red-tailed Hawks can often be predicted based on weight and size, as there is a discernible sexual dimorphism in raptors. In general, female Red-tailed Hawks are larger and heavier than their male counterparts. This difference in size is common among many bird species, especially in raptors, where females tend to be about 25% larger in terms of body weight and size. This variance makes weight and size reliable indicators when attempting to determine the sex of these birds in the field or during rehabilitation.

Other characteristics, such as eye color and plumage coloration, do not provide a consistent or reliable method for sex determination in Red-tailed Hawks. Typically, both male and female hawks share similar eye colors and plumage, which do not vary significantly enough to distinguish between sexes. Therefore, size and weight remain the primary factors in making predictions about their sex.