Broad-winged hawk
Buteo platypterus
The broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a medium-sized hawk of the genus Buteo.
About the Broad-winged hawk
The broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a medium-sized hawk of the genus Buteo. During the summer, some subspecies are distributed over eastern North America, as far west as British Columbia and Texas; they then migrate south to winter in the Neotropics from Mexico south to southern Brazil. Other subspecies are all-year residents on Caribbean islands. As in most raptors, females are slightly larger than males. Broad-winged hawks' wings are relatively short and broad with a tapered, somewhat pointed appearance. The two types of coloration are a dark morph with fewer white areas and a light morph that is more pale overall. Although the broad-winged hawk's overall population is increasing, populations are declining in some parts of its breeding range because of forest fragmentation.
Fun Facts About Broad-winged hawk
- The two types of coloration are a dark morph with fewer white areas and a light morph that is more pale overall.
- As in most raptors, females are slightly larger than males.
- Although the broad-winged hawk's overall population is increasing, populations are declining in some parts of its breeding range because of forest fragmentation.
Conservation Status
The Broad-winged hawk is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | Buteo platypterus |
Range & Habitat
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