How can the sex of a red-tailed hawk typically be determined?

Determining the sex of red-tailed hawks usually relies on physical size differences, with females typically being larger than males. Weight is a common measurement used by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. In many raptor species, including red-tailed hawks, this sexual dimorphism is pronounced, making weight a reliable indicator for distinguishing between the sexes.

While other factors like plumage coloration and eye color can vary within species and may not be dependable markers for sex determination, weight consistently provides a clear distinction due to the inherent size difference. Therefore, using weight as a method aligns with observed characteristics in red-tailed hawks.