Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

The smallest of the buteos to breed in Missouri, Broad-winged Hawks are especially noticeable during migration, in April, September and October, when several hundred can sometimes be seen at once. In contrast, during the breeding season Broad-wings can be difficult to find. They often nest deep within the forest and may easily go undetected unless sighted soaring above the canopy, or unless birders recognize their shrill, monotone whistle.

Code Frequency

Because Broad-winged Hawks are difficult to detect, they may have occurred more widely than indicated by the map. Evidences beyond those indicating possible breeding were apparently difficult for Atlasers to detect, presumably because of the species' secrecy around nest sites.

Distribution

Few species' distribution maps are aligned with the Ozarks to the extent of the Broad-winged Hawk's. The map indicates this species is essentially absent from western central and northern Missouri during the breeding season. The two locations at the northern edge of the state may have been migrants. Broad-winged Hawks may have been overlooked in forested regions that received less Atlaser effort, such as the heart of the Ozarks and the Lincoln Hills in northeastern Missouri.

Phenology

The peak of the spring migration occurs in late April (Robbins and Easterla 1992). The dates that young were observed in the nest define the nesting season for this single-brooded raptor.

Average Number of Birds / 100 stops

Breeding Evidence

Reported in 150 (12.4%) of 1,207 blocks