"Swainson's Hawk" (Buteo swainsoni)

Описание: A migratory Montana native Swainson's Hawk, filmed by Missoula free-lance cinematographer, Ken Furrow in the late 1990s.

While there is concern about the status of some local populations, statewide populations have increased in recent years.

General Description
Adults are dark brown above, and white with chestnut-brown bib below; tail grayish-brown, finely barred, becoming lighter toward the base. In flight, the wing undersides appear two-toned, with the flight feathers dark and the leading edge of the wing white. The wings of Swainson's Hawks are slightly more pointed than those of other buteos. Dark-phase Swainson's Hawks appear all dark brown above and below and on the entire wing undersides, making them look like a miniature eagle. Intermediate color phases occur, with dark brown bibs and chestnut barring on the belly. Immatures lack the bib and are more strongly barred or streaked underneath. Swainson's Hawks range in length from 18 to 22 inches, and have a wingspan of 48 to 52 inches.

Diagnostic Characteristics
All other buteo hawks have white flight feathers. Also, Swainson's Hawks have longer, narrower wings than other buteos. Red-tailed Hawks are slightly larger, have a dark belly band and no bib, while Swainson's Hawks have a bib, but no belly band.

Migration
Swainson's Hawks leave in late September, migrating to Argentina for the winter. They often migrate in large flocks. Bozeman migration: April 25 to May 15 and September 2 to Septmeber 10; no detectable peaks (west of main migration path). Migration late April and early September (Davis 1961).

Habitat
Swainson's Hawks nest in river bottom forests, brushy coulees, and shelterbelts. They hunt in grasslands and agricultural land, especially along river bottoms. In Bozeman area, the birds inhabit the drier, open parts of the Gallatin valley (Skaar 1969).

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