Red-tailed hawks are found around open fields, especially near woodlots close to farms and cities. Not being birds of deep woods, they are usually found in grasslands or marsh-shrub habitats. They are also found in urban areas.
Red-tailed hawks often mate for life. They make a stick nest in a tree, high above the ground and will sometimes use the nest year after year and so it grows bigger and bigger. They will also nest on man-made structures. Both males and females assist in nest construction.
The female hawk lays one to five white eggs with brown spots. The first egg is generally laid between mid-March and early April and they are incubated primarily by the female. Eggs hatch after 28 to 35 days. The young red-tailed hawks typically leave the nest for the first time and attempt their first flights at about 42 to 46 days after hatching.