Broad-winged Hawk
Least ConcernButeo platypterus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Broad-winged Hawk is one of North America's smaller hawks, with a compact, stocky build and relatively short, broad wings. Adults typically show rich brown upperparts, with a distinctively banded tail featuring one prominent white band across the middle and narrower white bands at the base and tip.
The underparts are pale with reddish-brown barring on the chest and belly and a whitish throat. A rare dark form exists, appearing entirely dark brown.
Juveniles have similar overall coloration but show streaking rather than barring on their whitish underparts, and their tail has multiple narrow bands rather than the adult's bold pattern. In flight, this hawk exhibits a distinctive silhouette with short, broad wings and a short tail.
Size
Length
34cm to 44cm
Wingspan
81cm to 100cm
Weight
265g to 560g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Broad-winged Hawks inhabit deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America during the breeding season. They prefer large, unbroken tracts of mature woodland with nearby clearings or wetlands for hunting.
During winter, these hawks migrate to Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to Brazil. They can be found in various forest types in their wintering grounds, including tropical and subtropical forests.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Broad-winged Hawk. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Broad-winged Hawk demonstrates remarkable agility through its aerial displays, including steep dives and spiralling flights. Their compact build and broad wings allow for excellent manoeuvrability in forest environments, whilst their hunting technique requires precise control for catching prey from perches.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not the largest raptor, these hawks possess sufficient strength to capture and carry prey such as small mammals and maintain aerial soaring for extended periods. Their stocky build provides good power-to-weight ratio, though they're notably smaller than many other Buteo species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable as evidenced by their impressive migration patterns, ability to thrive in various forest types from North to South America, and diverse diet. They successfully navigate different climates and altitudes, from sea level to 3,000 metres, demonstrating remarkable environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Shows moderate aggression, particularly during breeding season when defending territories against intruders. However, they're generally less aggressive than many other raptors, often gathering peacefully in large migration kettles and showing relatively modest territorial behaviour outside breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Exceptional endurance demonstrated through their long-distance migration of up to 7,000 kilometres, ability to soar for extended periods using thermal currents, and successful navigation across multiple climate zones. Their efficient soaring technique and robust cardiovascular system support this remarkable stamina.
Diet
Broad-winged Hawks are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet. They primarily hunt small mammals such as voles, mice, and chipmunks but also consume amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
These hawks often hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture prey on the ground or in low vegetation.
Behaviour
Broad-winged Hawks are known for their impressive migratory behavior, often forming large flocks called 'kettles' during fall migration. These birds soar on thermals, conserving energy as they travel long distances.
During the breeding season, they are generally solitary and defend their territories vigorously against intruders.
Vocalisation
The Broad-winged Hawk's most distinctive call is a high-pitched, whistled 'pee-weeee'. This piercing sound is often heard during the breeding season and serves as a territorial announcement.
During courtship, pairs may engage in a series of rapid, descending whistles, creating a unique duet.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding pairs form in spring, shortly after returning from their wintering grounds. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, including steep dives and spiraling flights. Courtship also involves mutual soaring and talon grasping.
Nests are typically built in the main crotch or on a horizontal branch of a deciduous tree, 20-40 feet above ground. The nest is a platform of sticks lined with bark, moss, and fresh green leaves. Females lay 2-3 whitish eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 28-31 days, primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 5-6 weeks but remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Broad-winged Hawk typically lives for 10 to 12 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 18.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Broad-winged Hawks face threats from habitat loss, particularly in their wintering grounds in South America.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting large tracts of forest and maintaining migration corridors. Climate change may also impact their migration patterns and breeding success in the future.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Broad-winged Hawks in deciduous or mixed forests, especially near clearings or edges.
- During migration, scan the skies for large kettles of circling hawks, particularly in September.
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched whistle, often described as 'pee-wee'.
- In the eastern United States, watch for them perched on branches near forest edges.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Broadwing
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
Adult Broad-winged Hawks have few natural predators, but Great Horned Owls and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings. Larger raptors occasionally target juveniles.
Did You Know?
- Broad-winged Hawks can migrate up to 4,350 miles (7,000 km) from North America to South America.
- During migration, kettles can contain thousands of individuals, creating spectacular aerial displays.
- These hawks have excellent eyesight, estimated to be 8 times sharper than human vision.
Community Experience
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Buteo platypterus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22695891A264594982.
View source - 1 4
report, 2007: Data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 3
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source
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