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Buteo swainsoni
Swainson’s Hawks are buteos, meaning they are large hawks with fairly broad wings and short tails. However, Swainson’s Hawks are less hefty than many other buteos. They are slimmer and longer-winged, with their wings typically held in a shallow V when soaring. Though they can be quite variable, most Swainson’s Hawks are light-bellied birds with a dark or reddish-brown chest and brown or gray upperparts. They have distinctive underwings with white wing linings that contrast strongly with blackish flight feathers. Most males have gray heads; females tend to have brown heads. Dark individuals also occur; these vary from reddish to nearly all black, with reduced contrast on the underwings.
Open Prairie and Farmland
Finally got out with one of my favorite birding companions for a truly epic day of spottings! This sweet Swainson's Hawk and his mate started off our morning!
2 Comments
Thanks! This might be my favorite shot of the day! Now I have to finish all my other pictures!
Love it!!