Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a common kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 33 countries, weighing about 454 g. The broad-winged hawk is a medium-sized hawk of the genus Buteo.
About the Broad-winged Hawk
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…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The broad-winged hawk is a relatively small Buteo, with a body size from 32 to 44 cm (13 to 17 in) in length and weighing 265 to 560 g (9.3 to 19.8 oz). The tail is relatively short, measuring 14.5–19.0 cm (5.7–7.5 in) in length. The tarsus measures from 5.6 to 6.6 cm (2.2 to 2.6 in). As in most raptors, females are slightly larger than males. Broad-winged hawks have relatively short and broad wings, pointed at the end, which have a tapered appearance unique to the species. The wingspan can range from 74 to 100 cm (29 to 39 in), with the extended wing bone (standard measurement) measuring 22. Voice: These hawks use vocalizations for communication with their mates and offspring, and in territorial displays towards intruders such as red-tailed hawks or other threatening animals. Their call sounds like a very high-pitched kee-ee, almost like a whistle. Fledglings learn to emit the call by the time they are one month old.
What the Broad-winged Hawk sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Broad-winged Hawk?
- The broad-winged hawk is a relatively small Buteo, with a body size from 32 to 44 cm (13 to 17 in) in length and weighing 265 to 560 g (9.3 to 19.8 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Broad-winged Hawk?
- The Broad-winged Hawk is a large sized bird weighing about 454 g.
- Where can you see a Broad-winged Hawk?
- The Broad-winged Hawk occurs in 33 countries, including the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama.
- What does a Broad-winged Hawk sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Broad-winged Hawk on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Broad-winged Hawk?
- The Broad-winged Hawk is most easily confused with the Rough-legged Buzzard, the Swainson's Hawk and the Grey-lined Hawk.
- Is the Broad-winged Hawk endangered?
- The Broad-winged Hawk is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Broad-winged Hawk for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.