Swainson's Hawk Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (20505261951)

Description:

Starting in late August and September, nearly the whole population of Swainson’s hawks migrates from North America to Argentina, a roundtrip of more than 12,000 miles for the northernmost breeders. . Swainson’s hawks eat mainly mammals and insects. Mammals make up the bulk of the diet during breeding season, when adults prey on ground squirrels, gophers, mice, voles, and rabbits. These opportunistic feeders also eat bats, snakes, lizards, and birds. Regional diets can vary significantly: for instance, in one region near Alberta, burrowing owls were a major part of the diet; in Utah, rabbits accounted for more than half the prey taken. Swainson’s hawks may rely on insect prey after the breeding season. They may catch crickets, grasshoppers, and dragonflies, often catching and eating them on the wing. They also will eat butterflies, moths, and beetles. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Hawk/lifehistory They have a very distinctive call that can be listened to here: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Hawk/sounds Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS