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==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
Most often hunts from perches taking various types of prey. | Most often hunts from perches taking various types of prey. | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Buteo+platypterus}} | {{GSearch|Buteo+platypterus}} | ||
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Buteo]] | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Buteo]] |
Revision as of 13:59, 19 December 2009
- Buteo platypterus
Identification
Length: 34-44 cm (13.5-17.5 in); wingspan: 81-100 cm (31.75-39.25 in); weight: 275-560 g. The second smallest buteo in North America, the Broad-winged Hawk is a small, stocky hawk with broad black and white tail bands. The photos show the more common light phase; a dark phase occurs but is rare.
Distribution
USA and South America. Southern Canada extending west almost to Britiish colombia. Migrates in large groups called kettles from Northern South America to the Eastern United States. Is often observed in large numbers during migration at "hawk watches" throughout the Eastern U.S and Canada.
Taxonomy
The nominate race (platypterus) is a well known buteo of the USA and southern Canada east of the Rockies. This subspecies is a migrant wintering south to northern half of South America. Five other non-migratory subspecies occur in the Caribbean: cubanensis, brunnescens, insulicola, rivierei, and antillarum, with populations on Cuba, Puerto Rico, and most islands in the Lesser Antilles reaching south to Grenada. It is increasingly a visitor to Hispaniola.
Habitat
Prefers deciduous forests
Behaviour
Most often hunts from perches taking various types of prey.