Nests are typically less than 2 m above ground, placed on tops of shrubs. Incubation is by both adults and lasts approx. 4 Chicks hatch asynchronously about 1-2 days apart from April through early June. 5 Day-old chick is quite warm and still has sticky residue from the egg. The flight feathers are still growing.
Threat displays are a little more intimidating now.
Notice the feet are quite large and capable of putting are fairly good-sized hurt on an intruder. This juvenal plumage which is quite variable, often showing a buffy streak on the throat, is gradually lost by the next spring. The full adult plumage, Basic II, is acquired in the third year and shows the distinguishing white-tail. This bird was a captive, imprinted, non-releasable bird that I raised from its first year. Note that primary number 9 is missing due to molt.