Broad-winged hawk

Description:

Broad-winged Hawks are small, compact raptors with chunky bodies and large heads. In flight, their broad wings come to a distinct point. The tail is short and square. Adult Broad-winged Hawks have reddish-brown heads, barred underparts, and broad black and white bands on the tail. The pale undersides of the wings are bordered in dark brown. Juveniles are lighter brown with coarse streaking on the underparts, particularly on the sides of the breast; the tail is narrowly banded.

Habitat:

Broad-winged Hawks live in forests and spend much of their time underneath the canopy. On migration they soar along coastlines. This broad-winged hawk was spotted along the road adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. First he was perched on top of a pole and then he flew to the railroad crossing sign and was looking at something.