Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Description
Swainson's Hawks have a slim body and slightly pointed wings. Their tail is grayish brown with narrow, dark bands. Adults have a dark "bib" between a lighter chin and belly. Juveniles are generally buffy in overall coloring with darker markings.
Diet
During breeding season, Swainson's Hawks primarily prey on small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Nonbreeding birds eat primarily insects.
Migration
Swainson's Hawks arrive in Colorado in spring for breeding season. In the fall, large flocks of Swainson's Hawks, called kettles, are formed as they migrate south to Argentina.
Breeding
Mating pairs are usually monogamous and tend to re-use previous nests. They have one to four eggs. Eggs hatch about 34 days after laying, and young fledge six to seven weeks after hatching.