Broad-winged hawks are small buteos that breed across most of the Eastern U.S.; they are especially common in the Ozarks, Appalachians, Great Lakes Region and Southern Canada (as far west as British Columbia). By late September, most head for South America and often migrate in massive flocks; smaller numbers winter in South Florida or Central America.
Throughout the year, broad-winged hawks favor forested areas near clearings or wetlands. There they usually hunt from a perch, dropping to snare small mammals, songbirds, snakes, lizards, amphibians or large insects. Due to their preferred habitat, they are less conspicuous than their larger cousins (e.g. red-tails, Swainson's hawks) that soar above open country.
This morning, at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I was fortunate to observe a lone broad-winged hawk, circling northward above the floodplain of the Missouri River; he may settle nearby for the summer but was more likely headed for the Great Lakes or Canada. In either case, it was a pleasure to witness his journey, just another sign that spring is unfolding across the Heartland.
Throughout the year, broad-winged hawks favor forested areas near clearings or wetlands. There they usually hunt from a perch, dropping to snare small mammals, songbirds, snakes, lizards, amphibians or large insects. Due to their preferred habitat, they are less conspicuous than their larger cousins (e.g. red-tails, Swainson's hawks) that soar above open country.
This morning, at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I was fortunate to observe a lone broad-winged hawk, circling northward above the floodplain of the Missouri River; he may settle nearby for the summer but was more likely headed for the Great Lakes or Canada. In either case, it was a pleasure to witness his journey, just another sign that spring is unfolding across the Heartland.
