What is a Broad-Winged Hawk?

A broad-winged hawk, scientific name Buteo platypterus, is a small to medium sized raptor. It is a migratory bird that lives in forests. Native to the U.S., there are also a number of subspecies native to the Caribbean islands. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) does not consider this species to be in immediate danger. This predatory bird usually raises only one brood each year.

Measuring up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) long, the broad-winged hawk has a wingspan of 40 inches (1 meter) and rarely weighs much more than 1 pound (500 grams). It is a raptor or bird of prey, i.e. it is primarily carnivorous. The main diet of this species includes rodents and small mammals, birds, and small reptiles. When other prey is scarce, they will also eat very large insects.

In the spring and summer, these birds live in North America. As the breeding season comes to an end, the broad-winged hawk migrates to South America. This species migrates in huge flocks known as kettles and complete a journey of over 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers), moving as far as the southern parts of Brazil. Whether these birds are in their summer or wintering grounds, they live in mature forests and woodlands that have a temperate, tropical, or subtropical climate.

There are several subspecies of broad-winged hawk which are native to the islands of the Caribbean. These species live in tropical and subtropical climates. They do not migrate because the temperatures remain reasonably warm all year round.

The IUCN classes the broad-winged hawk as a species of least concern; there are thought to be over one million birds, and the species has a very large geographic range. One of the subspecies found only in Puerto Rico is listed as endangered because of the tiny geographic range and that the population is estimated at only 50 breeding pairs.

During the breeding season, the pairs build large, deep nests high up in trees. Once construction is complete, the female lays up to five white to pastel blue eggs which are mottled with dark spots. The eggs take about one month to hatch with the female being solely responsible for incubation. Until the eggs hatch, the male stands guard over the nest and brings food back to the female.

After hatching, the feeding and rearing becomes a shared task. The juveniles begin to fledge after roughly six weeks but remain with the parents for about six months. This species only raises a single brood each season.

The Broad-Winged Hawk is a small to medium-sized bird of prey found in North America, known for its distinctive broad wings and short tail. It's a migratory species, spending summers in northern regions and winters in South America. This raptor is recognized by its soaring flight and piercing whistle, often seen circling high in the sky during migration.

Broad-Winged Hawks have a varied diet that primarily includes small mammals, insects, amphibians, and other birds. They are adept hunters, often catching prey by watching from a perch and then swooping down to capture it. Their hunting efficiency is crucial during migration to maintain energy for their long journeys.

You can identify a Broad-Winged Hawk by its compact body, broad wings, and relatively short tail. Adults have a rufous-brown body with a white band on the tail, while juveniles are more heavily streaked. In flight, look for their broad wings with pointed tips and listen for their high-pitched, piercing call.

Broad-Winged Hawks undertake a remarkable migration each year, traveling from their breeding grounds in North America to wintering areas in South America. They are known for their impressive kettles, which are large groups that can number in the thousands, riding thermals to conserve energy during their long-distance flight.

Broad-Winged Hawks typically mate for life and return to the same nesting area annually. They build their nests in large trees, often in a forested habitat. The female usually lays 1 to 3 eggs, and both parents share in incubation and feeding duties. The young fledge after about 6 weeks but may stay with the parents for a couple of months.

Broad-Winged Hawks are not currently considered endangered. They are widespread and common within their range, although habitat destruction and changes due to climate could impact their populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats and monitoring their migration patterns to ensure their numbers remain stable.