Swainson’s Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
-These slim hawks are found across the Great Plains and throughout the grasslands of the western U.S. during the summer, and then migrate to southern South America for autumn
-Like many hawks, they prey on small rodents and mammals. However, their diet relies heavily on insects caught in the air or on the ground.
-In prairies with scattered trees, these hawks often conflict with Great Horned Owls to nest in the same grove
-Nests are platforms of sticks, lined with finger twigs, weeds, and leafy branches, made mostly by the male
-Offspring: 2-3 pale bluish-white eggs with brown spots
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
Our Swainson’s hawks and red-tailed hawks are in the same exhibit. Can you tell them apart? Look closely at the tails and heads for color differences between the two species. One of the males is very spoiled and he is called crybaby. Because he cries at the zookeepers.
Buteo swainsoni
-These slim hawks are found across the Great Plains and throughout the grasslands of the western U.S. during the summer, and then migrate to southern South America for autumn
-Like many hawks, they prey on small rodents and mammals. However, their diet relies heavily on insects caught in the air or on the ground.
-In prairies with scattered trees, these hawks often conflict with Great Horned Owls to nest in the same grove
-Nests are platforms of sticks, lined with finger twigs, weeds, and leafy branches, made mostly by the male
-Offspring: 2-3 pale bluish-white eggs with brown spots
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
Our Swainson’s hawks and red-tailed hawks are in the same exhibit. Can you tell them apart? Look closely at the tails and heads for color differences between the two species. One of the males is very spoiled and he is called crybaby. Because he cries at the zookeepers.