Bird Guide

Broad-winged Hawk vs Red-shouldered Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

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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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Broad-winged Hawk
Recorded by Rosa Elena Albornoz @rosaelena_naturaleza · Call · Bosque Amnesia del Poder (near Caracas), Sucre, Miranda, Venezuela · CC0
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

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Males are 38 to 58 cm (15 to 23 in) long and weigh on average 550 g (1.21 lb). Females are slightly larger at 47 to 61 cm (19 to 24 in) in length and a mean weight of 700 g (1.5 lb). The wingspan can range from 90 to 127 cm (35 to 50 in). Adult birds can vary in mass from 460 to 930 g (1.01 to 2.05 lb). Among standard measurements, the wing bone is 28–35 cm (11–14 in) long, the tail is 16–24 cm (6.3–9.4 in) long and the tarsus is 7.5–9 cm (3.0–3.5 in). Adults have brownish heads, reddish chests, and pale bellies with reddish bars.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Red-shouldered Hawk
Recorded by Jonas Katona · Call · Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andrew C · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Broad-winged Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk.