195 
Though both species are so variable in colour that some plumages are difficult to separate 
on that ground, there are certain distinctions that can usually be observed. In the Swain- 
son’s Hawk the dark markings are concentrated or aggregated across the breast instead 
of across the abdomen, leaving the latter the lightest part of the undersurface (compare 
Figures 216 and 214). In the Red-tailed the converse is the rule. This distinction is less 
pronounced in juveniles and, of course, is entirely absent in the extreme solid black phase. 
Small juveniles can be distinguished from the Red-shouldered Hawks by their having 
three instead of four emarginate primaries. 
Figure 215 
Three notched primaries of Swainson’s Hawk; scale, 4. 
Swainson’s Hawk'is much larger than the Broad-winged and the emargination of the 
primaries will separate it from the larger Accipiters, such as the juvenile Goshawk which 
has five feathers emarginated (Compare Figures 215 with 211). 
Field Marks. A large Buzzard Hawk with wings slightly more pointed than the 
Red-tailed (Figure 216). Wide range in colour, from near-black and white with varying 
amounts of cream, dull ochre, and reddish to solid and complete near-black. Usually with 
more or less of a darker breast-band making the abdomen the lightest part of the under 
surface. It is rarely as extensively white below as the lightest of the Ferruginous Rough- 
leg, nor are the pantaloons as deeply rufous. The tail is never markedly white nor red 
and is usually somewhat regularly barred. Another point of distinction from the Rough- 
legged Hawk is that the base of the inner webs of the primaries do not lighten enough to 
show white on the upper surface of the wing in any normal flight attitude ( See Figure 
Figure 216 
Swainson’s Hawk; scale, 
Appearance in flight of most characteristic plumage. 
Nesting. A bulky nest of sticks in trees. 
Distribution. Western North America. In Canada, from Manitoba westward to the 
coast, north to the tree limit. Most common on the prairies. Migrates to South America. 
It is our only Hawk that regularly retires entirely from the North American continent in 
winter. 
Swainson’s is the common Hawk of the prairies. Nearly all the 
larger bluffs and most of the wooded coulees contain one or more of their 
nests from which they beat out over the cultivated and waste places carrying 
destruction into the ranks of ground squirrels and gophers. Though the 
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