Swainson's Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
Habitat 4
Open subarctic tundra and taiga; throughout most of its range, a hawk of prairie grasslands.
Distribution 4
Yukon: Distribution in Yukon is uncertain; a rare breeder in Eagle Plains, and likely in the Peel River basin and the western edge of central Yukon.
North America: Breeds in east-central Alaska, Yukon, interior BC, and the southern Prairie provinces, south through western USA to northern Mexico.
Global: Breeds in western North America, and winters primarily in Argentina.
Distinguishing Features 4
Easily confused with dark phase Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawks. Key features are the Swainson’s Hawk’s dark flight feathers (viewed from below) in contrast to the lighter feathers of Harlan’s. Wings form a distinctive V-shape when soaring in contrast to the Red- tailed Hawk’s atter aspect. In perched birds, the neat-looking, solid-brown upper parts differ from Harlan’s Hawks whitish mottling.
Report Sightings: During breeding season, June-August 20 4
Sources and Credits
- (c) Rocklin Lyons, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.flickr.com/photos/29981960@N06/3429468966
- (c) Greg Lasley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Lasley
- (c) Tony Morris, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonymorris/419839373/
- (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Animal | Bird |
|---|---|
| Bird | Birds of Prey (Accipitriformes) |
| Color | black, brown, grey, white |
