HAWK IDENTIFICATION HELP REQUESTED
BACKGROUND
On August 25, 2006, a
malnourished immature hawk was found at Camp Lutherhaven by the camp
director. The hawk was cared for by
rehabilitators Kris and Ed Buchler for or. It 3 days before being taken to the rehabilitation center, "Birds of Prey Northwest", located on Round Lake near Saint Maries. Director Jane Cantwell initially identified
the bird as immature Broad-winged Hawk, but by October they noticed the plumage
of this bird looked very similar to that of an immature Swainson's Hawk, also at
the rehabilitation center. The only
problem was the weight difference.
The Swainson's Hawk weight is
approximately 2 pounds, standard for that species.
The possible Broad-winged Hawk
weight is approximately 1 pound, standard for that species.
The Length and wing span was
not measured.
This hawk was released on
October 14 to enable it to migrate south.
(see pictures of release)
There in only one unconfirmed
report of a Broad-winged Hawk in North Idaho.
In "North American Raptors"
(Wheeler & Clark, 1995) gives the weight of a Swainson's at 1.3-2.7 lb.
(average 1.9 lb.) and the weight of a
Broad-winged at 11-17 oz. (average 17 oz.)
REQUEST:
After viewing the following
pictures, Kris and Ed would appreciate your thoughts on the identification of
this hawk.
Would the fact that it was
malnourished have anything to do with it having a lower weight than what is
expected in a Swainson's Hawk? Please
email Kris Buchler at eagleroost@adelphia.net
(Kris has additional pictures)
Immature Swainson's on the
left - possible Broad-winged Hawk on the right
The wingtips reach or slightly
exceed tail tip in a Swainson's Hawk.
The wingtips fall somewhat short of the tail in the Broad-winged
Hawk. These pictures show the opposite
of this but possibly it is the way the birds are held.
Swainson's HawK
