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San Joaquin County Parks & Recreation

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Swainson’s Hawk
(Buteo swainsonii)

Swainson's HawkHabitat: open grasslands, savannahs, chaparral and desert-like habitat, agricultural areas
Range: Western United States, Canada, Mexico
Natural Diet: small mammals, lizards, snakes, and insects

Status In The Wild:   Threatened

Atlas

Fun Animal Facts

The Swainson's hawk is often seen following a farmer's tractor in search of rodents and insects. They hunt on the ground or catch prey in midair. Each fall they migrate in vast flocks from North America through Mexico and Central America to their wintering grounds in Argentina. This annual trip is from 11,000 to 17,000 miles!

Like many other hawks, Swainson's hawks are monogamous, with the males spending up to two weeks building the nest.