Spring Time and the Moult

Spring Time and the Moult

The end of the hunting season in falconry signifies the start of the moult*, a time when most birds, including raptors shed their plumage and grow new feathers. As nature intended, the abundance of food (rabbit litters, snakes, other baby animals) coincides with the moult of the feathers after feeding of the chicks, that’s why the timing is so important. Growing new feathers requires lots of nutrients and energy for the bird’s metabolism. So the moult in a Red-Tailed hawk is a process by which feathers are symmetrically dropped and replaced by new ones in a pre-determined sequence. That pre-determined sequence can vary from bird to bird, but essentially, feathers change or ‘drop’ in order. Growing new feathers and maintaining the ability to fly is also important, as raptors still need to catch their food supply and keep their energy levels high.

What To Expect

Red-Tailed Hawks will begin to drop their feathers as early as May and continue the moulting process until late August / early September. During this time, it’s best to ensure that your raptor has plenty of food, regular water changes, and no significant stress. Some Falconers will completely leave their hawk alone during this time, with the exception of feeding and regular water. Others will continue their normal routines as they do during the hunting season. It is agreed, however, not to cast your hawk if it is at all unavoidable. Health reasons may require this, but if you do so, it’s a good idea to feed her right away. Undue stress on the raptor during the moult has the possibility to produce ‘stress-marks’ in the feathers. That is to say that new tail and primary feathers can have weak spots in them caused by the stress. This is certainly not a good condition for the hawk, as it will take another full year to grow new feathers. Her attitude may also change, depending on the weather, amount of food, etc.. Watch her behavior in the mews for any change or difference in habits, jumping, bouncing, or bating.

Noticing Progress

I’ll be watching Tahoe closely, as I am interested in watching her moult for the first time. I was unable to include any pictures here, as I have no pictures of a Red-Tail moulting. I will closely document and snap photos for the moult to watch it progress. I am truly excited to watch my immature raptor transform her feathers into beautiful adult plumage that Red-Tailed Hawks are famous for!

*Molt is the proper American Spelling. *Moult is traditional English Spelling

Do you have experience inter-mewing Red-Tails or other hawks? Please post a comment!

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