The Broad-winged Hawk is famous for its spectacular fall migration in which thousands to tens of thousands of birds soar together in spiraling 'kettles' rising on thermals. The famous hawk count at Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania may tally over 10,000 in a single October day. It is a compact, forest-interior buteo with bold black-and-white tail bands.
Best time to see a Broad-winged Hawk
The best time to see a Broad-winged Hawk is April–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,157 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Broad-winged Hawk? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Broad-winged Hawk sightings near you
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