Buteo platypterus
In the Rockies, at the fringe of its western range, the small Broad-winged Hawk is an unusual, but not completely unexpected bird in migration. Best known for its flocks of thousands in eastern North America during fall, such spectacular aggregations do not grace Rocky Mountain skies. The soaring hawks-the genus Buteo-have fan-shaped tails and broad wings. They are frequently seen hunting and migrating in open areas, rising and falling on air currents. Even when the exact species of a hawk cannot be determined, it is often possible to know that it is a Buteo. |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Light phase adult: black-and-white tail bands; horizontal russet barring on the breast; brown upperparts. Dark phase adult: brown wing linings; dark brown upperparts. Immature: brown streaks on a white breast; buffy and dark brown tail bands. In flight: broad, short wings; wing linings are slightly darker than the flight feathers; fan-shaped tail. Size: L 14-19 in. (36-48 cm); W 32-39 in. (81-99 cm). Range: very rare spring and fall migrant throughout the Rockies east of the Continental Divide. Habitat: In migration: mountain ridges; also in riparian and deciduous forests. Nesting: typically in eastern North America; usually in a deciduous tree, often near water; occasionally in a coniferous tree; small, bulky stick nest is built in a crotch 15-50 ft. (4.6-15 m) high; usually builds a new nest each year; occasionally reuses hawk, crow or squirrel nests. Feeding: swoops from a perch for small animals, especially small mammals, amphibians, insects and young birds. Voice: high-pitched whistle: peeeo-wee-ee; generally silent during migration. Similar Species: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and Northern Goshawk: long, narrow tails; adults have a blue-gray back. Red-tailed Hawk and Swainson's Hawk: lack the banding on the tail in both the light and dark phases. |
