The Red-tailed Hawk is an active aggressive hunter which makes it favoured amongst falconers seeking a good bird to use for hunting. It is well equipped for catching and holding prey, having large powerful feet which enable it to easily overcome the small mammals which make up the majority of its diet. Most hunting is carried out from a look-out post but in common with other buteo hawks and buzzards it is able to soar for long distances on its large broad wings. Indeed this technique of flying which involves expending a minimum of energy is employed when migrating distances covering thousands of miles.

The Red-tailed Hawk is also aggressive when defending the territory surrounding its nesting area, often driving off larger birds of prey such as Golden Eagles and Great Horned Owls. In fact it is known to compete with Great Horned Owls for nest sites and will take the young in order to steal the nest.