A small compact buteo famous for its spectacular fall migration in "kettles" of thousands swirling on thermals down the Appalachians to Central and South America.

Also called: Broadwing

Native status: Native; eastern North American forests

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 33–43 cm (13–17 in); wingspan 78–98 cm
Weight265–560 g (9–20 oz)
LifespanWild 12 years average; oldest documented 19
OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae

§ Encyclopedia

The broad-winged hawk is a medium-sized hawk of the genus Buteo. During the summer, some subspecies are distributed over eastern North America, as far west as British Columbia and Texas; they then migrate south to winter in the Neotropics from Mexico south to southern Brazil. Other subspecies are all-year residents on Caribbean islands. As in most raptors, females are slightly larger than males. Broad-winged hawks' wings are relatively short and broad with a tapered, somewhat pointed appearance. The two types of coloration are a dark morph with fewer white areas and a light morph that is more pale overall. Although the broad-winged hawk's overall population is increasing, populations are declining in some parts of its breeding range because of forest fragmentation.

Source: Wikipedia — Broad-winged hawk Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small compact buteo; chunky body; broad black-and-white tail bands; rusty barring below.

Similar species. Red-shouldered Hawk (banded tail too, larger). Red-tailed Hawk (very different tail).

Voice. High whistled "pee-eeee" call.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, amphibians, small mammals, snakes, small birds.

Behavior. Spectacular fall migration kettles in Appalachians — up to 10,000+ birds in single days. Migrates to Central and South America.

§ Range

Breeds in eastern North American forests; migrates to South America

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous forests with breaks for hunting

§ Threats

Tropical wintering-ground deforestation, breeding-forest fragmentation, wind-energy strikes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the broad-winged hawk is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Visit a hawkwatch site in September. Support tropical forest conservation. Donate to Hawk Migration Association of North America.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Hawk Migration Association of North America
  • HawkWatch International
  • IUCN Red List 2016