North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Broad-winged Hawk
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: BWHA (1)
Petite Buse
Buteo platypterus
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), is a crow-sized hawk and is the smallest member of the buteos seen in North America. This unassuming bird of prey is found in forested areas. It is commonly seen along highways and roads, perched on utility lines, watching for any movements in the grasses or on the forest floors. This particular hawk is known for its large numbers and flocks during its migration period. These flocks are called "kettles", in which hundreds of Broad-winged Hawks can be seen at one time. Numbering in the hundreds of thousands, when all the flocks are counted at the end of their fall and spring migration periods.
Distinctions: The males and females are similar in appearance, females are larger than male birds. Brown back, wings and tail feathers. Lightly coloured tan breast, with large rufous to reddish brown streaks, each streak made up of series of triangles, one above the other. Easily identified in flight by equal sized large bands on tail feathers, showing light and dark rows. Dark morphed birds are possible, usually located in the western regions. Juveniles are similar to the parents but with a softer look and without the same sharp definitions.
Voice: Repeated whistles, not what one would expect from a bird of prey.
Nesting: Three to four white eggs, with brown spots, one brood per year. Builds its nest in trees, either in a deciduous or mixed forest.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the North American Hawks
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15" 38cm | 34" 86.4cm | 14oz 396g | Accipitridae | Buteo platypterus |
North American Bird Calls
- Tap to hear Choice 1
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution: Found throughout most of eastern North America's forests. Seen from Nova Scotia, forming a finger reaching west, out into the prairies and beyond to British Columbia, down through the central USA states to Texas and east to Georgia. Migrates into South America for the winter months.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.