Swainson's Hawk

Swainson’s Hawk

(Buteo swainsoni)

Gavilán cuaresmero, Aguililla de Swainson, Gavilán langostero, Aguililla migratoria mayor.

Identification: Large and slim with long wings with pointed wingtips. Light adults are brown above with white underparts, dark-barred flight feathers, brown head and chest, and a white throat. Juveniles are brown above with washed buffy underparts. Dark brown and rufous adult are common, and all show light-colored undertail cover feathers at flight.

Migratory behavior: Soars extensively, especially while using thermals. Often flies with wings in "V". Migrates in large groups that can reach several thousands of individuals.

Remarks: Performs one of the largest migrations among birds. More than 90% of the global population winters in grasslands from southern Brazil to northern Argentina.