Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The broad-winged hawk is a medium-sized hawk of the genus Buteo. During the summer, some subspecies are distributed over eastern North America, as far west as British Columbia and Texas; they then migrate south to winter in the Neotropics from Mexico south to southern Brazil. Other subspecies are all-year residents on Caribbean islands. As in most raptors, females are slightly larger than males. Broad-winged hawks' wings are relatively short and broad with a tapered, somewhat pointed appearance. The two types of coloration are a dark morph with fewer white areas and a light morph that is more pale overall. Although the broad-winged hawk's numbers are relatively stable, populations are declining in some parts of its breeding range because of forest fragmentation.
Fun Fact
Broad-winged hawks have relatively short and broad wings, pointed at the end, which have a tapered appearance unique to the species.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs in the karst forests of Puerto Rico.
Diet
Eat small animals such as chipmunks, shrews, and voles, frogs, lizards, and sometimes even other nesting birds like cardinals, as well as sick or injured birds.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance