Swainson's Hawk Identification

Hawk identification can be tricky, and will take practice, here are a few tips to help identify Swainson’s Hawks. 

Age

Swainson’s Hawks will generally have a slight dihedral when soaring (their wings are in a slight V, like a turkey vulture)

Light and intermediate morphs have a “bib,” or area of dark plumage below the chin.  In dark morphs, the bib is the same color as the remaining plumage

The flight feathers along the wing are very dark, creating a two-toned appearance.

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Intermediate Swainson's Hawk in flight

Juveniles and Subadults

It can take Swainson’s Hawks 2-3 years to molt into adult plumage after fledging.

Juveniles and subadults don’t have a complete bib.  Also, younger Swainson’s Hawks will have lighter colored eyes, the eyes gradual darken as the individual ages until about 3 years old.

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Recently fledged Swainson's Hawk.

Plumage Morphs

Swainson's Hawks exhibit many morphs from light to dark, and everything in between. Below are a few examples to illustrate the range in variation.

Comparison with Red-tailed Hawks

Swainson’s Hawks are slightly smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk, on average.  In all cases below, the picture of the Red-tailed Hawk is on the left with a Swainson's Hawk on the right for comparison.

When perched

If viewing the back; Swainson’s Hawks lack the white scapular “V” on the back that Red-tailed Hawks have.

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If viewing the front; Swainson’s Hawks will have a dark chest and lighter belly, whereas Red-tailed Hawks have a dark belly and lighter chest.

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In flight

Swainson’s Hawks have narrower wings and have a slight dihedral, and Red-tailed Hawks have broader winger and their wings show almost no dihedral.

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The dark flight feathers in the Swainson’s Hawks can give their wings a two-toned appearance.  Keep in mind that all Red-tailed Hawks will have the dark patch on the leading edge of the wing (the patagial mark), whereas Swainson’s Hawks will not.