Named after the distinct feathers covering their legs, rough-legged hawks are among Louisiana’s few winter raptors. They’re often seen in open areas, including fields, marshes, gulf coasts, and cliffs, all of which are plentiful in the Pelican State. Swainson’s Hawks were Louisiana’s formerly scarce migrant but have gradually expanded their breeding distribution in the past 20 years or so. Today, they’re often seen migrating from their South American wintering grounds and summer nesting periods from August to October. Interestingly, Swainson’s hawk was previously mistaken for the common buzzard until Emperor Napoleon’s nephew corrected the error in 1832. They’re known to be quite social and hang out with their buddies on fence posts, utility poles, and tall trees. Outside breeding season, these hawks are almost always found in big groups. Males of this species have gray heads, while females are topped with brown feathers. Their wings are lightly lined with white that greatly contrasts their dark flight feathers. Most Swainson’s hawks have chocolate-brown or light reddish chests and brown or grayish underparts. Their wings are larger than typical buteos, however, broad and positioned in a shallow V while on air. Swainson’s hawks, like red-tailed hawks, are members of the large-hawk buteo family. You’ve probably heard this bird before, as it’s believed that most hawk sound effects heard on the big screen are created by this species. Red-tailed hawks sound just as most people think a raptor would sound: a thrilling, hoarse kee-eeeeee-ahhrr scream that lasts a few seconds. Should one of these red-tailed birds make an appearance in your yard, take your feeder down for a week or two until the coast is clear. If you own a large backyard with a feeder that’s well-loved by small birds, there’s a possibility that they may visit for a quick and easy snack. These hawks mostly feed on mammals like voles, mice, rabbits, and, on rare occasions, small dogs and cats. They have expansive and rounded wings, rich brown backs, streaked bellies, and short but wide cinnamon-red tails. Red-tailed Hawks are one of the largest hawks found in this state, and because of their large frames, red-tailed hawks are often mistaken for eagles. They’re most commonly seen sitting atop telephone poles and flying over vast fields and forested woods. Let’s get right into it! Red-Tailed HawkĪlong with great horned owls, red-tailed hawks are among the swallow-tailed kite predators in South Louisiana. Today, we’re focusing on hawks and discussing nine of these beautiful creatures found in Louisiana that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Louisiana’s subtropical climate increases the birds’ attraction to the state and makes it the perfect habitat for an abundance of winged creatures. Louisiana has a landmass consisting of 40 percent coastal marshlands and beaches, woodlands, and deciduous forests, so it isn’t surprising that most bird species make their way to the Pelican State throughout the year.
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