Chaco is a male Swainson’s Hawk. Swainson’s Hawks weigh 1.5-2 lbs., with a wingspan of 48” and a length of 17”-23”.

Swainson’s Hawks prey on small mammals and occasionally on other birds. They also eat insects on a regular basis and have been deemed “the farmer’s friend” because of this proclivity.

Swainson’s Hawks are summer residents of grasslands and agricultural habitats in the western United States 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 travels great distances to winter in South America, primarily in Argentina. Chaco’s name comes from a province in Argentina where Swainson’s Hawks are known to concentrate in the winter.