| MRCC Ambassador Raptors |
| Chaco Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) Adult Male Weight: 1.5 -2 pounds Wingspan: 48 inches Length: 17-22 inches |
Swainson's Hawks are summer residents of grassland and agricultural habitats in the
Western U.S and Canada. They nest in trees and shrubs and lay 2-3 eggs in a fairly
flimsy stick nest. The entire population is migratory and most of these birds travel great
distances to winter in South America, primarily Argentina.
These hawks prey of small mammals and, occasionally, other birds. They also eat
insects on a regular basis and have been called "the farmer's friend" because of this
proclivity.
The name "Chaco" is from the name of a province in northern Argentina where
Swainson's Hawks are known to concentrate in the winter.
On display by permission of the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service.
(Federal Permit #PRT-810728)T
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This hawk was found as a
fledgling in Great Falls, MT. in
September 2001. He cannot fly
due to a congenitally deformed
left humerus.
fledgling in Great Falls, MT. in
September 2001. He cannot fly
due to a congenitally deformed
left humerus.
| photo by Ellen Goff |