Swainson's Hawk - Accipitridae Buteo swainsoni
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Photo Details
1.  June 5, 2005 - 2.  September 17, 2004 - 3., 4. August 11, 2004 - Burriston Pond area, Juab County, Utah
©NJDavis
5. Intermediate adult - April 18, 2005 - Moroni, Sanpete County, Utah
©Sean Breazeal

Description
L 19, WS 51, Long tail, Dark Remiges, Long  pointed wings, hunts small mammals and insects in grassland

1., 3 and 4 are dark or dark intermediate morphs. 2.  Light Morph 5. Intermediate adult
A Swainson's Hawk's wings are generally longer than the tail or at least as long as the tail.  Since this is variable it isn't an absolutely reliable field mark. Subadults may even have wingtips slightly shorter than tail tip.  Adults have dark brown irises and a yellow cere.  Notice the  legs are not feathered and the feet are small for the size of the bird allowing it to easily perch on wires.  The bird looks slender and elegant perched and in flight. Perches upright, falcon-like and alert...The tail has a wide black subterminal band and the wings are long and  pointed.  Wingbeats are deep and loose similar to Harriers.

Utah Range Map
click for range Map color key

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