In most of the US, eggs are laid in early March and a bit later in the cooler northern areas. In the Artic they are laid in early June. The female will typically lay between 5-6 cream colored eggs. They are incubated for 25-30 days with the male standing guard.

Young pairs nesting for the first time are more likely to be unsuccessful. They often abandon the nest or fail to protect the eggs from predators. In time, they gain the needed experience and patience.