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The Broad-winged Hawk, Algonquin Highlands’ most common bird of prey, is a stocky, pigeon-sized hawk. Adults are brown above, and lighter below, barred with a rust colour. They have broad black and white tail bands, which can be seen from below while the bird is in flight. Immature birds are similar, but are spotted or blotched below, and their tail bands are smaller and less distinct. They produce a thin whistling “pe-heeeeee”.
The preferred habitat of the Broad-winged Hawk is a beaver-meadow, which is an abandoned beaver pond that has been allowed to drain and turn into a meadow. This habitat provides plenty of perches in which to watch for prey. It is also a great spot to find their favorite meal, Garter Snakes. Other prey include mice, frogs, and insects. It is very common to see a Broad-winged Hawk carrying a snake in its talons.
Nests are built in the crotch of a tree, and are made from sticks, and lined with green leaves. Females lay 3 or 4 white eggs, covered with random brown spots. The Broad-winged Hawk migrates south for the winter in large flocks of up to several hundred birds.
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BROAD-WINGED HAWK
Buteo platypterus
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