Swainson's Hawk

Swainson's Hawk doesn't have a true "song," but its main call is a long, plaintive, high-pitched whistle "kreeee," similar to a Red-tailed Hawk's scream but thinner and less raspy. This piercing kree cry is usually given when annoyed or near the nest.

A long-distance migrant that breeds mainly across western North America. Most spend winter in open country in southern South America, especially Argentina. Smaller numbers winter in Mexico, Central America, or the southern United States. During migration, hundreds or thousands can gather in swirling kettles.

Open country – primarily grasslands, prairies, ranchlands, and agricultural fields with scattered perches. Breeds especially on the Great Plains and intermountain West in open grassland with some trees or utility poles for nesting. Avoids dense forests. In migration and winter, often seen in open plains and agricultural areas of South America.

In spring, one of the later hawks to arrive on breeding grounds (often not until late April or May). Pairs immediately begin nesting; they are highly territorial on the nesting grounds. Through summer they rear usually 1–3 young, feeding them rodents and reptiles. By late summer, Swainson's Hawks form large flocks and by fall (Sep) thousands begin migrating south, often gliding on thermals in massive kettles with other raptors. In winter (Oct–Feb) they concentrate in the grasslands of Argentina in huge numbers to feast on insects, then head north again in early spring.

A slender, long-winged hawk of the open West. Light-morph adults have a white belly and a contrasting dark brown bib (chest band) on the breast. The underwings show bright white wing linings with dark flight feathers, and the wings often appear somewhat pointed in soaring flight. The head is relatively small for a hawk, and the tail is long with narrow dark bands. (Dark-morph individuals are chocolate brown overall.)