Bird
Swainson's Hawk
Buteo swainsoniAlso known as Grasshopper Hawk
Swainson's Hawks are long-winged soaring raptors with a dark bib across the upper chest and pale underwing panels in the common light form. They hunt rodents from perches and gather in groups to feed on abundant large insects.
raptorgrasslandlong-distance migrant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMice, grasshoppers, small rabbits
Predators
- great horned owls
- larger eagles
- raccoons
ThreatsPesticide poisoning, habitat conversion, collisions, electrocution, and loss of migration stopovers
HabitatsPrairie, farmland, open shrubland, desert grassland, and scattered nesting trees
Life spanOften ten years or more, with some banded birds living beyond twenty years
Classification
- OrderAccipitriformes
- FamilyAccipitridae
- GenusButeo
- SpeciesButeo swainsoni
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- View nests and ground-feeding groups from a distance without leaving established routes.
- What to notice
- Confirm a slender soaring raptor with a dark chest bib, pale belly, and long pointed wings.
- Support conservation
- Remain at least 300 feet from active nest trees during chick rearing and withhold precise nest locations.
Responsible observation
- Identify: In flight, look for long narrow wings and contrasting dark flight feathers.
- Watch: Scan plowed fields and grassland for groups feeding on large insects.
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Mystic Meadows
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