Hawks are birds of prey, or raptors, known for their sharp eyesight and powerful talons. Before they become masters of the sky, they go through a specific developmental journey. The terminology used for these young birds often depends on their stage of growth, but understanding the specific names helps clarify the different phases of their early life.
The Specific Name for a Baby Hawk
The most specific term for a newly hatched hawk still in the nest is an eyas. This name is derived from Old French and is particularly associated with falconry, referring to a young raptor before it has learned to fly. While “chick” or “hatchling” are generic terms, “eyas” is the appropriate biological designation for the young hawk.
The young hawk’s life cycle is also defined by two broader terms that indicate mobility and dependency. A young hawk that remains inside the nest is called a nestling. Once the bird has left the nest but still relies on its parents for food and protection, it is known as a fledgling. These stages reflect the milestones of a raptor’s development toward self-sufficiency.
Life Inside the Nest
The substantial nest structure where hawks raise their young is called an eyrie. Eyries are typically built high in tall trees or on cliffs for security. They are bulky platforms made of sticks and twigs, often lined with softer materials like pine needles and moss. The parents may return to the same eyrie each year, adding new material to the structure.
Upon hatching, the eyas is altricial, meaning it is completely dependent on its parents and covered in natal down. The female hawk generally stays to brood and protect the young while the male hunts and delivers prey. The female tears the food into small, manageable pieces to feed the nestlings for the first few weeks.
Transition to Independence
The nestling phase for species like the Red-tailed Hawk lasts approximately six to seven weeks, with fledging occurring around 40 to 51 days after hatching. Before their first flight, the young hawks strengthen their bodies by regularly stretching their wings and practicing hovering movements. They may also start venturing out of the nest and onto nearby branches, a stage sometimes referred to as “branching.”
Once the bird takes its first flight, it becomes a fledgling, entering a period of intense learning that can last several weeks. The parents continue to provision the fledgling, but the hawk gradually practices hunting and catching its own prey. Full independence is achieved about 10 weeks after the initial flight.