Watercolor portrait of Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni
A long-distance migrant Open country – primarily grasslands, pra… Common Call

Learn to identify the Swainson's Hawk by ear. Master the "kreeeee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kreeeee”

What the Swainson's Hawk sounds like

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.)

“kreeeee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for: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. Often written as “kreeeee”.
Don't confuse with:The Red-tailed Hawk — chunkier build with broader wings that are held flat when soaring (swainson's holds a slight v).

Where you'll hear it

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.

Similar species

Red-tailed Hawk

Chunkier build with broader wings that are held flat when soaring (Swainson's holds a slight V).

Ferruginous Hawk

Larger and bulkier, with a much broader head and gape. Light-morph Ferruginous Hawks have almost all-white underparts and rusty legs ("rufous pants"), lacking the Swainson's dark breast bib.

Swainson's Hawk sound FAQ

What does a Swainson's Hawk sound like?
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. Listen for the "kreeeee" phrase.
How do I tell a Swainson's Hawk from a Red-tailed Hawk by sound?
Red-tailed Hawk: Chunkier build with broader wings that are held flat when soaring (Swainson's holds a slight V).; Adult Red-tails have a red tail (orange-red above, pinkish below) absent in Swainson's. Juvenile Red-tails have a belly band of dark streaks, whereas Swainson's light morph has a concentrated chest patch and white belly.; Red-tailed Hawks have dark patagial marks (dark bars on the leading edge of the underwing) which Swainson's Hawks lack..
When is the best time to hear a Swainson's Hawk?
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.