Bird Gallery Index

Broad-winged Hawk image © Joseph Kennedy. Image taken at Smith Point Hawk Watch

Family: (Accipitridae) Hawks and Allies

Preferred Habitat: Forests.

Seasonal Occurrence: Common in fall; uncommon in spring.

Notes: Broad-winged Hawks are a relatively small, compact hawk about the same size as a crow. They summer in forests throughout eastern North America. They migrate to Central and South America in large flocks or "kettles" which may number thousands of birds. On the Upper Texas Coast, they are most common in September and October. Since they prefer to hug the coast in migration, the Smith Point Hawk Watch affords the best viewing opportunities, but occasionally kettles are spotted over the Houston city limits.
- Susan Billetdeaux