Swainson's Hawk

Description:

The Swainson's Hawk is a raptor, slightly smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk (B. jamaicensis). However, the Swainson's Hawk has a slightly longer wingspan and slimmer wings than other soaring hawks. In flight, it holds its wings in a slight dihedral; it tips back and forth slightly while soaring.

Habitat:

Grassy fields near prairie dog town.

Notes:

We had a quick and intense late summer rainstorm. The storm was over as soon as it had started. As I was heading out for the afternoon, I noticed a handful of hawks drying off on the lamp posts. When I got close to one of the juveniles I noticed his disfigured beak. I assumed it was a birth deformity but after speaking with a friend and longtime raptor rehabilitator she was confident that it was not a deformity, but rather a broken beak the the bird suffered in his first few months of life. He was still making food cries and I noticed 2 adult Swainson's hawks near by. My friend was not confident that he would be able to survive with out his parents help. I only saw him this one time. Hopefully the migration to Argentina will be a smooth one for him. I'll keep an eye our for him next spring!