Swainson’s Hawk

Photo Credit: Tom Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Overview

  • Species Common Name Swainson’s Hawk
  • Species Scientific Name Buteo swainsoni
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Swainson's Hawks require expansive grassland habitat with scattered nest trees and small mammals for prey.

Limiting factors

Swainson's Hawks have relatively large area requirements. Significant losses of grassland habitat have contributed to declines of this species. High mortality of wintering birds due to pesticide misuse in the Pampas of Argentina is well documented.

Conservation actions

Expand partnerships with private landowners and continue comprehensive conservation planning with federal land managers. Protect nest trees. Maintain shrub-steppe and herbaceous shrub habitat to promote a diversity of prey species.

Key reference or plan

Conservation Strategy for Landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington