Range
Breeds throughout
eastern United States, from southern Canada to northern
Florida. Most often seen in Virginia during fall migration
when enormous "kettles" of Broadwings migrate
south. Do not winter in Virginia.
|
|
Size
| Length |
13-17
inches |
| Wingspan |
29-35 inches |
| Weight |
about 1 lb |
|
Habitat
Woods; can be found in a variety of woodland
habitat but often in deciduous woods.
|
Diet
Small mammals such as mice, voles and chipmunks;
also frogs, snakes and lizards. Apparently also eats
insects on its South American wintering grounds.
|
Characteristics
Usually still hunt from a perch such as an oak
tree. Aggressive and vocal. Short, blunt wings and relatively
long tail, for maneuverability. Strongly banded black
and white tail in adults. Only raptor to migrate in flocks
numbering up to thousands at a time.
|
