Hawks are powerful, long-lived predators — but like most birds, they face a dangerous first year, and getting through it is the key to a long life.
How long do hawks live in the wild?
Wild hawks have high mortality in their first year, but those that survive often live 10 to 20 years. A common species like the red-tailed hawk averages around 10–15 years in the wild, with some individuals living beyond 20. Experience matters — older hawks are simply better hunters and survivors.
Hawks in captivity
Protected from starvation and accidents, hawks in captivity or falconry can live considerably longer — often 20 to 30 years or more. A steady food supply and veterinary care remove many of the dangers that cut wild hawks' lives short.
What shortens a hawk's life
Beyond the risky first year, the biggest threats are collisions with vehicles and windows, and poisoning — especially secondary poisoning from eating rodents killed by rat poison, a major cause of death for hawks and owls. Avoiding rodent poisons is one of the most effective ways to protect them.