Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni)

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Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni) are uncommon in the NWT. There are a few old nesting records from the open woodland-tundra southeast of Inuvik. Immature and mature Swainson’s hawks overwinter in Argentina.

A broad dark band across the breast, an olive grey tail with a dark edge and three emarginate primaries separate this soaring hawk from the red-tailed hawk. They are similar in size to red-tailed hawks (45-55 cm tall).  A large, bulky stick nest is constructed in small deciduous trees or bushes. Sometimes a ledge is used. Occasionally, the nest may be reused in subsequent years. Two eggs are laid in mid-May and the young birds are fed small rodents, hares and insects. Fledging occurs 28 days after hatching.  Massive die-offs of Swainson's hawks occurred in Argentina in 1996 due to misuse of the organophosphate pesticide Monocrotophos. The Canadian Wildlife Service has been working with Argentina's Department of Agriculture to remedy the situation and some companies have been persuaded to stop production of the chemical.