Broad-winged Hawk
Least ConcernButeo platypterus
Visual Identification
Broad-winged Hawk
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
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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