Broad-winged Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk

(Buteo platypterus)

Gavilán alas anchas, Aguililla de alas anchas, Gavilán bobo, Guagaguaito, Guagaguao de bosque, Gavilán bebehumo, Aguililla migratoria menor.

Identification: Small and chunky with broad wings and pointed wingtips. Adults are brown above with broad white tail bands and black trailing-edged wings. Juveniles are brown above, with whitish underparts, narrow brown streaks, and a whitish eye-line. Dark individuals are rare; Adults are all dark brown underneath with white tail bands. Dark juveniles have rufous-mottled underwing covers and chest.

Migratory behavior: Migrates in groups of thousands to tens of thousands. Soars extensively, especially while using thermals.

Remarks: Migrates through the region and winters from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Five subspecies are resident on the West Indies.

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