It has been reported that during undulating flight birds follow a gradually descending path. This display may be given in response to an intruder in the vicinity of a nest. Nests built in mature trees against trunk, supported by one or more large branches and generally shaded from above. Males may show a high degree of territory fidelity, with several old nests located within a small area. Center lined with bark chips.
Males assist in building the nest.
Old nests of Cooper's Hawks, crows, and other species may be refurbished and reused. Around 4, with an interval of about 2 days between the laying of each egg. Earliest egg records from most states are around middle of April. During latter phase of the nestling period, female may hunt more often, leaving young alone in nest. Young normally eject feces over the side of the nest, and the ground and bushes below nest may be liberally splattered with whitewash before young fledge.