Although the red-shouldered hawk is a bold, aggressive bird, nesting hawks maintain a strong pair bond. The courtship behavior of Buteo lineatus is initiated by the male. The male demonstrates a call and flight display, which coordinates the male and female reproductive activites. Soaring high over the woodlands, the male dives dramatically, wings partially spread, and then quickly beats his wings to regain altitude. The male continues with his flight display until the female joins him or responds in some other manner.
Nest building occurs during the time of courtship.
Once the nest is completed, the male hawk places green sprigs around the edges of the nest to demonstrate ownership. While the female incubates the eggs, the male hunts and brings her food. After incubation, both sexes share in the hunting duties. The female, generally larger and heavier than the male, tends to catch the larger, slower prey, whereas the light, quick male hawk hunts smaller, more agile organisms. When not nesting, the red-shouldered is a solitary bird.