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Nesting. In trees, 35 to 75 feet from the ground. 
Distribution. Over eastern North America north to the limits of settlement. Breeds 
in Canada wherever found. 
SUBSPECIES. Several subspecies of the Red-shouldered Hawk are recognized, 
but only one, the Eastern Red-shouldered, the typical form, occurs in eastern Canada. 
This is probably the most common Hawk in eastern Canada. It is 
similar in habit to the Red-tailed except that it does not insist upon deep 
woods for its nesting habitat but will build in almost any little patch of 
woodland, sometimes in surprising proximity to settlement. 
Economic Status. This species is, fundamentally, very similar in 
its food habits to the Red-tailed, but being a much smaller and lighter 
bird the damage it can do is proportionately less, whereas its good offices 
are scarcely if at all impaired. Of 206 stomachs examined, 3 contained 
poultry; 12 other birds; 102, mice; 40, other mammals; 20, reptiles; 30, 
batrachians (frogs, etc.); 92, insects; 16, spiders; 7, crawfish; 1, earth- 
worm; 2, offal; and 8, fish. It will thus be seen that its diet is varied. 
Whether the shrews, frogs, reptiles, and spiders are to be counted for or 
against the species is open to some doubt, but the large number of mice 
and insects against 3 of poultry and 12 birds obviously acquits the species 
of the charge of doing much damage. 
342. Swainson’s Hawk. FR.—LA BUSE DE SWAINSON. Buteo swainsoni. L, 20. 
Of about the same size as the Red-shouldered. It may occur either in a nearly black 
phase, a light one, or any intermediate stage between. The characteristic light plumage 
shows an evenly brown back, head, and upperparts, white underparts with a band of 
vinaceous across the chest, and slight indications of bars of same colour on flanks. 
Distinctions. Many birds have the ends of their primaries suddenly reduced in width 
as if a shaving had been taken from the edge with a pocket-knife. In this species the three 
outer primaries are thus attenuated or emarginated. In the Red-shouldered Hawk, for 
which certain plumages might be mistaken, four of the primaries are emarginated. 
Distribution. The prairie provinces and westward. North to the Arctics, wandering 
casually to the lower Great Lakes. 
This species occurs in eastern Canada only as a rare straggler from 
the west and should be identified with the greatest care. Though a 
prairie bird, its habits are too similar to the last species and it is too rare 
to require detailed mention. 
343. Broad-winged Hawk. FR.—LA BUSE DE PENSYLVANIE. Buteo platypterus. 
L, 15-89. The smallest of our Buteos. Adult—brown above, underparts all barred with 
reddish brown and white in rather coarse pattern. Juveniles—brown above with more 
or less white irregularly scattered through; below, white with brown stripes on breast 
to throat and bars on flanks and legs. 
Distinctions. Size will distinguish this species from the young Red-shouldered Hawk 
which juveniles may resemble. Three attenuated or emarginated primaries instead of 
four will differentiate it from both that species and the Cooper’s Hawk with which it also 
might be confused. 
Field Marks. Size, general coloration of adults, and its long, fine, sharp call like the 
drawn-out squeak of a rusty barn-door hinge are good field characters. 
Nesting. In trees 25 to 70 feet from ground. 
Distribution. Eastern North America northward to the bounds of settlement. Breeds 
locally in eastern Canada in all except the most southern parts of Ontario and far south 
in the Mississippi valley. 
Local in distribution and prefers the wilder sections. 
Economic Status. Of 57 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 
15, mice; 18, cther mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batrachians (frogs, etc.); 
